I love our Silly Old Bear, Pooh! My love is for the original Classic Pooh, as so expertly drawn by E.H.Shepard in the Pooh books. He appeared in the first Winnie the Pooh book in 1926, and has been a much loved bear ever since.

I wonder if A.A.Milne ever realised how much joy he had brought to the world with his creation of Pooh. I cannot imagine a world without Pooh to be honest!

Milne set his timeless stories in the beautiful Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, England. The real Pooh places such as Gills Lap (the Enchanted Place), Poohsticks Bridge, Roo’s Sandy Pit etc, can all  still be found in the forest today.

My Pooh Collection

I have collected Classic Pooh for most of my life, below are some of my favourite Pooh’s:

Edward Bear – Merrythought Bears

Say hello to Edward Bear by Merrythought, he looks just like Christopher Robin’s original bear. Did you see him in his starring role in the movie “Goodbye Christoper Robin?” He is 18 inches tall, and has gorgeous soft golden mohair fur. He gives a gentle little growl when he is tipped, and gives lovely hugs with his woollen felt paws.

Pooh Balloon

This is Pooh’s Blue Balloon by the very talented American Artist R John Wright. He started his company in 1976 and creates the most realistic, lovable bears and dolls. I love that this Pooh looks very similar to E.H.Shepards original drawings. He is nine inches tall, made of luxurious mohair, and wears his traditional red felt jacket.

Gabrielle Designs 

Pooh and Piglet on Poohsticks Bridge, and Pooh with Royal Doultan were created by Gabrielle Designs. Sadly, the English company went out of business quite some time ago. What I especially love about them both is the beautiful presentation box which recreates a scene from the books. Gabrielle’s Designs also made a gorgeous Paddington Bear and his Aunt Lucy.

Paper Craft Cake

As a Mixed Media designer I enjoy many paper crafts, and Classic Pooh regularly features in my creations. I used lots of Pooh rubber stamps on the paper cake above. The Classic Pooh stamps are difficult to find now, but a well known auction site is the best place to hunt for them.

If you would like to craft with stunning Pooh artwork, Cath Kidston have some gorgeous designs made to be printed out and created with.

Pooh Bear

Our Silly Old Bear represents friendship love and understanding. Milne’s stories always contained a moral or life lesson in them. Sadly the real Pooh and friends belonging to Christopher Robin are now kept in New York State library, USA. A friend took this photo for me. Don’t they look sad to be so far from home.

Take a look at our bear collection today!