Tag Archives: Michael Bond

Paddington Bear is taking over the British Library this summer with exclusive exhibition

Posted on by

Paddington Bear is taking over the British Library this summer with the launch of a special, family-friendly exhibition celebrating 60 years of one of the world’s most beloved bears.

Paddington: The Story of a Bear will run at the library from July 9th to October 31st with an exhibitions spanning the 60 years since the character was first published by HarperCollins Children’s Books in 1958. The exhibition will feature over 50 books, documents, film clips, and original artworks as it explores the creation of Michael Bond’s Paddington in full.

The exhibition will also feature activities for visitors to practise their hard stares, take their own self ‘pawtrait’ and follow the trail of marmalade left by Paddington, as well as a special printed guide for families. Two local primary schools in Camden – Argyle Primary School and Edith Neville Primary School – have been working with the Library since November 2020 to create new content for display in the exhibition for all visitors to enjoy. 

Paddington is a timeless and universal story of desire for home, acceptance and a sense of belonging, which appeals to all ages. Featuring books, documents, film clips and original illustrations, highlights will include, a First Edition of A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, illustrated by Peggy Fortnum, the original review of A Bear Called Paddington by Barbara Ker Wilson in 1958, and a selection of photographs and memorabilia of Michael Bond on loan from his family.

It will also feature clips from the Paddington movies and sound recordings such as Michael Bond talking about the process of creating Paddington’s stories, as well as original illustrations of Paddington stories by artists including Peggy Fortnum, David McKee and RW Alley.

Alison Bailey, lead curator of Paddington: The Story of a Bear, said: “Paddington: The Story of a Bear is a fun, family-friendly exhibition recalling the many faces of Paddington we’ve come to know and love in original artwork, books, and scenes from TV and film adaptations.

“This exhibition reminds us why, over 60 years on from his creation, Paddington still resonates with people of all ages, wherever they are in the world. We hope visitors enjoy following this loveable bear on his adventures and discovering his stories.”

Sophie Kopaczynski, CEO at Copyrights Group said: “As Paddington brand owners we are delighted to be working with the British Library on this fantastic exhibition. 

“The exhibition invites families and fans – old and new – into the world of Paddington, full of adventure and kindness, through a wide variety of mediums, books to original artworks, letters to objects, film footage to exclusive TV clips. 

“It is always a pleasure to be able to introduce Paddington to a new audience and to offer new and exciting content for existing fans.”

There will be a series of events and adult learning courses inspired by the exhibition, as well as workshops for families and relaxed openings for children on the autism spectrum.

School groups can enjoy exclusive timed slots including free, activity-led facilitated workshops for Primary students.

Olympia le Tan celebrates 62 years of Paddington with exclusive clutch bag collection

Posted on by

The French boutique retailer, Olympia le Tan, has partnered with Copyrights to launch am exclusive Paddington clutch bag collection, based on the first edition cover of Michael Bond’s ‘A Bear Called Paddington.’

The limited edition clutch features one of the most iconic illustrations by Peggy Fortnum and celebrates Paddington’s 62 year publishing and merchandising heritage.

Olympia le Tan is known for its beautifully designed, hand-stitched clutch bags, taking inspiration from literature, art and film. Each collection is limited to 77 pieces and each bag can take up to 300 hours to produce, creating a unique look and feel. 

The deal was brokered by StudioCanal Licensing, the agent for Paddington in France.


Valérie Rolandez-Barrios, director of licensing and partnerships at StudioCanal Licensing, said: “It is such a delight to work on Paddington and help develop the brand in France. Seeing this collaboration with Olympia le Tan come to life is wonderful. The Paddington clutch bag is a beautiful item and the result of a unique partnership.”

Aude Sergent, general manager for Olympia le Tan, added: “Collaborating with Paddington felt natural for our brand. We observed that we are all related to Paddington, we all know his crazy adventures and his unconditional love for marmalade.

“Embroidered on our bags, this classic of contemporary English literature gives us the opportunity to pay a tribute to this mythic book through the original illustration of Peggy Fortnum.”

The Copyrights Group lays plans for Paddington in Benelux with License Connection partnership

Posted on by

Brand development agency, The Copyrights Group has appointed License Connection as its Benelux licensing agent for Paddington Bear. The outfit will represent the popular IP across classic, baby, movie, and TV for a broad range of products in the region.

Written by Michael Bond and first in print in 1958 in the volume titled A Bear Called Paddington, Paddington has become a literary icon that has gone on to sell 35 million copies worldwide. The series has since been translated in to over 40 different languages.

The Paddington movies produced by Studiocanal, with Harry Potter’s David Heyman have become the most successful independent family movie franchise ever, with more than $500m at the box-office.

This year will see a brand-new Paddington TV series designed for a pre-school audience launch worldwide on Nickelodeon. The Adventures of Paddington features a young Paddington and reaches out to a whole new generation of fans.

Franca Bernatavicius, senior international licensing manager, The Copyrights Group, said: “We are very pleased to be working with License Connection on Paddington Bear in the Benelux. This is a very exciting time for Paddington, with the rich publishing heritage and the success of the films now paving the way for the upcoming TV series and a new generation of fans across the Benelux.”

Daphne Kellerman of License Connection, added: “We are delighted that The Copyrights Group has appointed License Connection as the Benelux Licensing Agent for Paddington. We see great potential for the brand in the territory because of its heritage and the new adventures that are about to come.

“It is a well-known brand already globally and we look forward to add partners to create new products, so kids and parents can go on their own journey with Paddington.”