67th Anniversary of Paddington Bear!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today, we’re looking into the history and legacy of a beloved children’s character, Paddington Bear! I was even lucky enough to ask a few questions to one of my personal favorite illustrators of all time; R.W. Alley, who has illustrated 39 Paddington books, including Michael Bond’s very last Paddington book; “Paddington at St. Paul’s”!

On October 13, 1958, the world met a small bear from “darkest Peru” who would go on to captivate generations. His name was Paddington. With his battered suitcase, marmalade sandwich tucked safely under his hat, and a label reading “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” he arrived not only at London’s Paddington Station but also into the hearts of readers worldwide. The bear’s beginnings were just as endearing as the stories that followed. One Christmas Eve in 1956, author Michael Bond passed a shop near Paddington Station and noticed a lonely teddy bear sitting all by itself on a shelf. He bought it on impulse for his wife, but couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a story hiding in that bear. Within ten days, he had written the first chapters of what became “A Bear Called Paddington”.

Bond’s creation quickly grew into a literary classic. Over nearly 30 books, translated into more than 30 languages and selling in the tens of millions, Paddington established himself as more than just a children’s character. He became a gentle teacher of values; curiosity, kindness, politeness; even when things went comically wrong. Illustrations played a key role in this success. Peggy Fortnum’s delicate pen-and-ink drawings gave Paddington his iconic floppy hat and duffle coat, grounding his adventures in a familiar, homely charm. In 1997, American illustrator R.W. Alley began his work on the Paddington series, bringing a fresh, warm, and playful style that has become beloved in its own right. Alley’s first book was “Paddington and the Christmas Surprise”, and over the years he illustrated numerous titles, including “Paddington at St. Paul’s”, published in 2018 as Michael Bond’s final story. Its release was deeply significant; it arrived one year after Bond’s death in 2017 and coincided with Paddington’s 60th anniversary, serving as both a farewell and a celebration of the bear’s enduring magic.

From page to platform, Paddington’s world expanded. In 2000, a bronze statue by Marcus Cornish was unveiled under the clock on Platform 1 at Paddington Station. On screen, Paddington’s adventures have been celebrated in “Paddington” (2014), “Paddington 2” (2017), and “Paddington in Peru” (2024/25), all voiced by Ben Whishaw. These films brought the bear to a new generation while remaining faithful to the warmth, humor, and charm that Bond and Alley nurtured in the books.

And the legacy? It sparkles with delightful details. Paddington, like the late Queen Elizabeth II, has two birthdays; one on Christmas Day and another in the summer. He famously joined Her Majesty herself for tea during the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, pulling a marmalade sandwich from under his hat, a moment that went viral worldwide. His first plush toy, produced in 1972, was designed with little Wellington boots so the bear could stand on his own two feet. Beyond toys, books, and films, Paddington has become a symbol of kindness and welcome, especially for children finding new homes far from their own. From a single lonely teddy bear on a shop shelf to a global icon of warmth, humor, and humanity, Paddington’s story is a testament to the enduring magic of Michael Bond’s imagination!

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: What was your relationship like with the late and great Michael Bond?

R.W. Alley: Mr Bond was just the sort of creative person that you'd want to work with. He understood the concept and efficacy of collaboration. Since he wasn't a picture-maker, to make picture books, he needed this collaboration. His comments on my drawings were always clear and kind. 

You'll notice in the books that neither Paddington nor the other characters in his world age. Yet, the world around them does. Mr Bond was insistent on keeping his stories modern. I illustrated books about the Olympics when they came to London, the difficulties of Paddington's legal status in the UK (sadly still relevant today all over the world) and even the new bus pass issued in London called an Oyster Card (a fishmonger got involved). This is also the reason I twice illustrated the picture book version of the original story set in Paddington Station. The architecture had been revised, so the book needed to be revised.

The most appropriately titled Paddington book that I have illustrated is the novel "Paddington Here and Now." Michael Bond's Paddington stories are always here and now!

In all, Mr Bond was not unlike Paddington in his kindness and view of the world.

Giancarlo: How does it feel to be a part of the history of one of the world’s most beloved characters (Paddington) in such a cool way?

R.W. Alley: It feels great! Especially great to be able to introduce children to a truly kind, generous and inquisitive character. 

This world needs more examples of how much of a strength these qualities are. Too often we get so caught up in our own narrow worlds that we forget what a wonderful, huge planet this is. Too often we fear the unfamiliar instead of working to make the unfamiliar familiar. We don't have to agree to understand  and accept. By doing so we expand and nourish our own world. Win, win!

So, being associated with a literary character of such depth is quite wonderful. I am very lucky to have been able to draw Paddington and his world for so long.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

R.W. Alley: Not to take yourself, or your work, too seriously. This is excellent advice for any creative. 

There's a tendency to believe that your vision of the world - the vision that you want to share with the world - is the best and most important observation that could ever be made.

This tendency is absolutely understandable. It's in line with the athlete who must have utter confidence in her/his abilities in order to win. Or, the musician who needs complete faith in her/his skills to play best. 

However, this attitude is not only annoyingly snobbish and unfriendly, it also blinds one to the rich variety of others' creative endeavors. Often, very often, there's inspiration to be found in others' work. You need to be open to these possibilities.

Check out his work: https://rwalley.com/

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo