Roberta - William Simpson Teddy Bear Collection

This teddy bear was named Roberta and belonged to Mr William Simpson, an avid collector of more than 250 teddy bears. Roberta wears various home-made garments (now in poor condition), jewellery and a straw hat.

Roberta is part of a family of teddy bears consisting of Tino, Tilly, Rupert, Nicholas, Nicola, Lord Meight, and Lady Sidonie. According to  Mr Simpson, she was purchased as a "mate" for Rupert (HMCMS:D2008.3.1). She was bought in 1962 in John Barnes, Finchely Road, London. Roberta is an English Chiltern bear - probably one of the Hugmee series that was fabricated around this time.