Teddy Bear

Billy the Bellboy - William Simpson Teddy Bear Collection

This teddy bear was named ‘Billy the Bellboy' by Mr William Simpson who was an avid collector of more than 250 teddy bears. Billy the Bellboy is made of a greyish brown fabric, and has a swivel head and jointed limbs. This teddy bear wears black cotton trousers, a red cotton jacket with gilt frogging and a black collar and a red felt pillbox hat with gilt trim. Billy the Bellboy has a label stitched at its lower back with 'Made in Indonesia exclusively for Dean's Rag Book Co.' written. The teddy bear fits into a dark blue box with its name on a label on the front and 'Dean's Rag Book Co. Ltd., company trademark and Mini Bear' on lid. An information leaflet is stored inside.

Billy the Bellboy belongs with 5 other bears: Florrie the Flowerseller, Bob the Policeman, James Bear, Gordon the Guardsman and Bernie the Beefeater. These are all a set of Dean's miniature bears however they were actually made in the Far East under contract from Dean's.

HMCMS:D2008.3.117
HMCMS:D2008.3.117