Dean's Rag Book Co. was formed in 1903 as a new venture for a successful children's book publishing company. Their rag books had the distinct advantage of being fabric that was washable, rather than entrusting paper books to sticky-fingered children. The successful launch of rag books led to cut-out doll sheets, blow-up toys and rag dolls to mention just a fraction of the range.
When the First World War began in 1914 Dean's stepped into the gap left in the market by Austrian and German toys, the import of which had stopped. Their first toy catalogue was entitled 'Kuddlemee' and includes pictures of three mohair teddy bears, although these have not been seen in recent times so scour your loft!
Air Bear
During the 20th century Dean's Bears evolved through different stages; making moulded-face dolls, character merchandise, pausing toy manufacture during the Second World War, then resuming with a full range of rag books, teddy bears and gollies. The fate of the company took a new turn during the 1980s, when toys were first imported wholesale from the far east making UK production highly uncompetitive.
In 1988 the company was bought by Neil and Barbara Miller, who have refocussed the business and made Dean's famous once more, in the popular field of collectable, limited edition bears. With the exception of a handful of artist-designed teddy bears the family lovingly design each collection themselves. All are produced in very low limitations, which ensures they are exclusive, highly desirable and sell out within weeks of a collection being launched!
Dean's Bears range for 2010 includes the Apple Pips - miniature four inch, fully jointed teddy bears each named after a variety of English apples, Kitty Willow designed by teddy bear artist Chloe Wilson with instantly recognisable features - big feet and ears, little eyes and hand air brushed facial features. Each of the bears is made from natural mohair or alpaca fur, with stitched thread noses and fully-jointed moveable arms, legs and head. Reclaim your childhood or give one as a gift to take them straight back to their younger years!
Collectible Deans Bears - Teddy Bears With History!
Corfe Bears is a teddy bear shop and main stockist for Dean's Bears.
