The Paddington Bear trail across London ended today, much to the sadness of
some fans still trying to track down all 50 statues of the famous creation.
Yesterday I came across a middle-aged couple, making the most of a seat by Ant
and Dec’s creation Bear Humbug (left) in Oxford St. Despite their best efforts they
were only half-way through the list of locations.
It has been fascinating to see how celebrities, artists and fashion designers have
re-interpreted the bear from darkest Peru. Frankie Bridge, singer and Strictly
Come Dancing contestant, covered her creation with coloured glitter.
Musician
Liam Gallagher went for Parka Paddington.
Model Kate Moss chose gold. Her
Paddington, surrounded by jars of the bear’s favourite marmalade, was tucked up
safely in a Selfridges window, to the delight of passing children.
Michael Bond, author of the Paddington
stories, chose to stick with the blue duffel coat and battered brown suitcase
he first dreamed up in 1958. Fittingly, Bond’s creation was placed at
Paddington Station where in the first book he was found by the Brown family
with a note attached to his coat that read: “Please look after this bear. Thank
you.”
While the trail has finished, Paddington fans can still catch the movie, or
find out more about his journey from page to screen at the Museum of London's free exhibition, A Bear Called Paddington. This has proved so popular it's been extended to January 25, 2015.
http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/london-wall/whats-on/exhibitions-displays/bear-called-paddington/
There's also the opportunity to bid for one of the trail bears at an on-line auction. Thirty-six of them are being sold to raise
funds for charity with prices so far ranging from £1,200 to £5,000.
The auction continues until January 7. Details at
https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/the-paddington-trail/lots/129
