From Darkest Peru

Having captured the hearts of children and adults alike for over six decades beloved fictional character Paddington Bear is celebrating his 65th birthday this year.

Created by Michael Bond in 1958, Paddington is a small, polite, and charming bear from "darkest Peru" who finds himself in London after being discovered at Paddington Station by the Brown family. With his signature blue duffle coat, floppy hat, and love for marmalade sandwiches, he has become an iconic figure in children's literature.

Paddington's endearing qualities lie in his unwavering kindness, politeness and good intentions. Despite his propensity for finding himself in comical and often chaotic situations, his positive outlook and willingness to help others always prevails.

Paddington's popularity has extended far beyond the pages of books. He has been featured in numerous adaptations, including films and television shows, further solidifying his status as a cultural icon. Whether in literature or on the big screen, Paddington continues to inspire and bring joy to audiences worldwide with his timeless charm and enduring message of the importance of family, friendship and being kind to others.

Paddington Bear First Day Cover

Our Designer Katherine tells us: "I am very pleased with how this cover has turned out with the red Paddington style hat, the bear paw prints and the label which references the ‘Please look after this bear’ label that Paddington wears when he first arrives."

Paddington Bear Miniature Sheet

Katherine: "The miniature sheet cover carries on in the same style, with a Paddington postmark to reference the station Paddington is named after. The illustration shows a drawing of a London scene with the iconic red phone box and red bus in a similar style to the miniature sheet and the red ties the colours together between the two designs and references Paddington’s adventures in London."

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