Merrythought: The Last of the British Bears
“Merrythought is the last remaining teddy bear factory in Britain. Operating from the same brick foundry in Ironbridge since 1930, they are the survivors of the UK toy industry, hand-stitching mohair bears that are not just playthings, but heirlooms.”
1. The Heritage
Founded in 1930 by Gordon Holmes, a spinning mill owner who realised his high-quality mohair could be used for more than just textiles, Merrythought has weathered wars, recessions and a flood of cheap imports to remain the UK's sole surviving teddy bear manufacturer.
The name "Merrythought" is an old English word for a wishbone - itself a symbol of good luck that has appeared on their label for over 90 years. Today, the company is run by the fourth generation of the Holmes family, sisters Sarah and Hannah, who ensure that every bear is still made to the exacting standards of their great-grandfather.
2. The Location
The Merrythought factory is as historic as the bears themselves. It is located in Ironbridge, Shropshire, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The bears are stitched in a former iron foundry building on the banks of the River Severn. Unlike modern closed factories, this site is a living piece of history; it houses a dedicated Teddy Bear Shop and a small museum where visitors can glimpse the heritage of UK soft toy making.
3. The Difference
Natural Materials: Merrythought bears are not made from synthetic plush. They use pure Mohair (from the Angora goat) and Alpaca wool, woven in the same way as velvet. This gives them a distinct texture and longevity that synthetic toys cannot match.
Hand-Crafted Construction: Each bear is a complex assembly of articulated joints. They are "5-way jointed" (head, arms, and legs move), filled with safe stuffing (and sometimes traditional wood wool), and finished with hand-stitched noses and mouths, meaning no two expressions are exactly alike.
The "Cheeky" Smile: In 1957, they introduced the "Cheeky" bear, famous for its wide smile and bells inside its ears. It is a design icon that remains unique to Merrythought.
Royal Connection: They are the bear of choice for the British Royal Family, having produced official commemorative bears for Royal births, jubilees and weddings for generations.
4. The Hero Products
The London Gold: The quintessential English teddy bear. Golden mohair, velvet paws and a satin ribbon. It is the archetype of what a teddy bear should be.
The Cheeky Bear: Instantly recognisable by its large head, wide smile and the jingle bell inside each ear. First designed in the 1950s, it is highly prized by collectors.
The Punkie: A cult classic from the archives, known for its "punk" top-knot of long hair and sad, endearing eyes.
The Edward (Christopher Robin): Merrythought created the replica of the actual bear that inspired A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories (originally a Farnell bear, a company Merrythought acquired), used in the film Goodbye Christopher Robin.
5. The Essentials
Accreditations: Made in Britain (Verified); ISO 9001.
Product Index: Traditional Teddy Bears, Limited Edition Collectibles, Soft Toys, Nursery Gifts.
