It’s 60 years ago today since a little visitor from Peru with a big appetite for marmalade was introduced to the world of literature.
And, in the intervening years, the affection for Michael Bond’s creation, Paddington Bear, has spread all across the world, both on the page and the silver screen.
On Christmas Eve, 1956, while working as a BBC cameraman, Mr Bond bought a small toy bear which had been left alone on a shelf in a London department store.
Feeling sorry for it, he took it home and gave it to his wife. But, a few months later, he saw the bear sitting on the mantelpiece and it sparked an idea.
As he said: “When I wrote those few words, I had no idea quite what a change they would eventually make to my life. It was really a case of putting something down on paper to get my brain working that morning.”
He soon discovered he had a literary sensation on his hands, and in 1958, A Bear Called Paddington was published – just the first of many, many stories.
As a means of commemorating the occasion, Harper Collins Children’s Books has created a programme of events for youngsters of all ages.
This will see scores of libraries, bookshops and schools around the UK celebrating today with elevenses and storytelling events, games and costume character appearances.
Speaking about the anniversary, Ann-Janine Murtagh, Harper Collins’ executive publisher said the company was proud to have been involved in the character’s development.
She added: “We feel especially privileged to have been the publisher of his creator, the late Michael Bond.
“Michael was an absolute genius at creating characters and his unforgettable stories of Paddington Bear have delighted generations of children.
“His stories are marked by the author’s deeply-felt values of justice and tolerance, hope and optimism and infused with his infectious humour and joie de vivre.”
Karen Jankel, Mr Bond’s daughter, has grown up with a deep affection for her dad’s work.
She said: “Having been born exactly two months before the first book was published, Paddington has always been a part of my life and it is wonderful to think he is giving pleasure to a new generation of readers.
“I feel so fortunate that my father’s spirit lives on through Paddington who is a very important member of our family and, I hope that will continue to be so for a long time to come.”
