TIMELINE
OF EVENTS
1956
24th December:
A BBC cameraman buys a small toy bear left alone on a shelf in Selfridges store, London, for his wife Brenda. Named Paddington, after the station close to Michael Bond’s home, the bear inspires him to write eight episodes in just over a week.
1958
13th October:
Williams Collins publish the very first book ‘A Bear Called Paddington’, in hardback, illustrated by Peggy Fortnum.
1959
January:
'A Bear Called Paddington' is listed as ‘The Best Children’s Novel’ of 1958 by the UK Book Trade Journal, Books and Bookmen.
September:
‘More About Paddington’, Michael Bond’s second novel, is published.
1960
January:
‘A Bear Called Paddington’ is translated into Swedish, Danish and Dutch.
September:
Paddington is published in the US by Houghton Mifflin of Boston.
1962
Paddington appears in Puffin paperback (the paperback edition of ‘Paddington at Large’ went on to become one of the lead titles in Puffin’s 25th anniversary celebrations in 1966).
1964
Blue Peter television programme publishes its Annual, featuring the first of fourteen specifically written Paddington stories.
1965
Michael Bond retires from his job as a BBC cameraman to write full-time.
Paddington starts his radio and television career with a story on BBC Radio's Children's Hour.
Michael Bond makes an appearance on Blue Peter.
1967
‘A Bear Called Paddington’ is first published in Japanese, translation by Fukuinkan Stoten.
1968
A horse called Paddington Bear, owned by Lady Aitken, is loyally backed by staff of Collins publishers.
1971
Shirley Clarkson makes two soft toy Paddington Bears as Christmas presents for her children Joanna and Jeremy (who was later to go on to become a well-known journalist and television personality in his own right).
1972
Shirley Clarkson’s company, Gabrielle Designs, becomes the first Paddington licensee, manufacturing her classic Paddington toys dressed in duffle coats, felt hats and Wellington Boots.
‘Paddington Bear’, the first Paddington picture book for younger readers, illustrated by Fred Banbery, is published.
1973
‘The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington’, the first Paddington musical, opens at the Nottingham Playhouse (it was staged at the Duke of York theatre in London the following year).
1974
Eden Toys, a New York toy company, acquires the American rights to produce a Paddington Bear soft toy.
Coalport China produces a collection of ceramic Paddington giftware.
1975
This year sees the first broadcast on BBC1 of 30x5 minute episodes of the FilmFair puppet animated series made under the direction of Ivor Wood. The series is sold throughout the world.
A range of Paddington stationery by Hestair Hope is the first ever co-ordinated children’s collection in the UK, as is Wardle Fabrics’ children’s bedding range.
1976
Paddington becomes the figurehead of Paddington's Make it Grow Club, the children's arm of leading UK charity, Action Medical Research.
1978
The first Paddington and Friends shop opens in London.
A Paddington strip cartoon appears in the London Evening News.
A Paddington in a glass case is unveiled on Paddington Station.
1979
A second series of 26 FilmFair episodes are screened and awarded a silver medal at the New York Film and Television Festival – the first British animated series ever to win a major award.
1981
A second Paddington and Friends shop opens in Bath.
Paddington appears in three half hour specials made by FilmFair, including ‘Paddington Goes to the Movies’ featuring a classic dance routine from Singin’ in the Rain – a tribute to Gene Kelly, which was made with his full approval; the film is nominated for an Emmy.
1982
Paddington makes his debut in Japan with leading retailer Sony Plaza. Collections of exclusive product have been developed for the Japanese market ever since.
1983
Paddington’s Silver Jubilee is marked by a dedicated Christmas Grotto in Selfridges, the store in London where the original bear was bought.
A new stage show, 'Paddington’s Magical Musical' by Shirley Roden and produced by Bill Kenwright, opens at the Hexagon in Reading before going on tour.
1984
A giant hot-air balloon is made for a Paddington fan, Frank Meyer of Colorado, USA.
Japanese airline JAS initiates a ski tour promotion featuring Paddington, which continued to run over 12 years.
1986
Paddington joins Richard Branson as a crew member when he attempts to break the Atlantic Blue Riband speed record.
A 40’ picture of Paddington is one of the main features of the Blackpool Illuminations.
Paddington accompanies Margaret Thatcher at a Conservative party Conference.
1987
Paddington appears in lights in the Ginza in Japan.
Paddington is a major feature on Action Medical Research’s float in the Lord Mayor’s Show in London.
1988
A contract is signed with Hanna-Barbera Inc for the production of a cell animated television programme for worldwide distribution.
Paddington’s official biography, ‘The Life and Times of Paddington Bear’ by Russel Ash with Michael Bond, is published by Pavilion Books in association with Michael Joseph.
1990
A 29’ tall Paddington float balloon makes the first of several appearances in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades, televised live across the United States to an estimated 60 million homes.
1994
A Paddington Bear soft toy is chosen by English tunnellers as the first item to pass through to their French counterparts when the two sides of the Channel Tunnel are linked up.
Paddington Bear stamp is included in a Royal Mail greetings stamp book.
Michael Bond opens the Paddington retail stand at Paddington Station.
1996
In France, Bon Marchee department store presents Paddington as a unique English character as part of their on-going English month promotions.
Harper Collins publishes Michael Bond’s autobiography, ‘Bears and Forebears - A Life So Far’.
A Paddington Bear design is Marks & Spencer’s fastest selling pyjama.
1997
R.W. Alley becomes the new illustrator of the Paddington picture books with the publication of 'Paddington and the Christmas Surprise'.
June:
Michael Bond is honoured with an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to children’s literature.
September:
The first 13 episodes in Cinar Films’ brand new animated series is transmitted by ITV in the UK and Teletoon in Canada.
November:
Paddington is the theme of Hamley’s Christmas windows in London’s Regent Street.
The Glades Shopping Centre Bromley, England, stages a Paddington Bear Christmas Display Scheme and Grotto.
1998
April:
The London Toy and Model Museum opens a special exhibition in honour of Paddington’s 40th anniversary year. Due to run for six months, it is extended by popular demand.
December:
Paddington launches his first website - proving Paddington is moving with the times!
1999
'A Bear Called Paddington' becomes "Ursus Nomine Paddington" when a Latin edition is published, translated by Peter Needham.
2000
24th February:
A permanent, life-sized bronze statue of Paddington is unveiled by Michael Bond on Paddington Station in London.
2001
Paddington's 25 year association with the UK charity, Action Medical Research, is marked with the publication of a new book, "Paddington Goes to Hospital".
2002
November:
Marshall Fields department stores in the USA choose Paddington as their Christmas theme, featuring the story of "Paddington and the Christmas Surprise" in displays and in the windows of the famous State Street store in Chicago.
2003
February:
A new version of the stage show, "The Adventures of Paddington Bear" begins a nationwide tour of theatres throughout the UK.
Paddington launches a brand new website!
2006
Party at the Palace - on 25th June Paddington joins celebrations at Buckingham Palace.
Paddington’s image appears on a set of special stamps from Royal Mail.
2007
Paddington stars in a new series of television and radio ads for Marmite.
July:
Michael Bond is honoured with a Doctorate from the University of Reading.
2008
June:
‘Paddington Here and Now’, the first new novel for almost 30 years, is published with a launch at the Peruvian Ambassador’s residence in London.
October 13th:
Paddington's image features on the Google home page.
Paddington celebrates his 50th anniversary with a special tour of London.
2009
February:
Paddington can now be found in British Airways’ in-flight children’s Skyflyer packs.
March:
Paddington appears on Google Street View and can be seen at six different locations.
August:
Paddington launches a new website.
2010
March:
Paddington becomes the new face of Robertson’s marmalades.
2011
November:
iPaddington is here! Available for iPad, iTouch or iPhone is a new version of the first classic Paddington Bear story.
2012
15th March:
Paddington is officially confirmed as Britain’s Favourite Ever Animated Character by the British Animation Awards.
11th April:
The thirteenth novel 'Paddington Races Ahead' is published.
2013
23 September:
Filming commences on the first Paddington Bear movie.
4 October:
'Picture This' (an exploration of classic children’s books) exhibition opens for three months at the British Library.
2014
January:
Paddington launches a new clothing range available around the world with babyGap. #AdventureAwaits
2014
July & November:
Paddington becomes the face of 'Half & Half' bread and Warburtons change their name to Warbeartons.
18th October:
‘Paddington: Illustrated and Animated’ exhibition opens at the House of Illustration in London.
2014
20th October:
Selfridges, the London store where it all began, opens a Paddington shop, exhibition and window displays to celebrate the forthcoming film.
4th November:
Paddington Trail of 50 statues, all designed by celebrities, launches across London ahead of the film.
2014
6th November:
‘Love from Paddington’, Michel Bond’s latest Paddington novel, is published.
14 November:
Exhibition about the history of Paddington opens at the Museum of London.
2014
23 November:
The World Premiere of 'Paddington' is held in Leicester Square, London UK.
2015
January:
'Paddington' is nominated for 'Outstanding British Film’ and receives a further nomination in 'Adapted Screenplay'.
29 March:
'Paddington' movie wins 'Best Comedy' at the Empire Magazine’s 25th annual film awards, sponsored by Jameson.
2015
25 June:
Paddington throws out the first pitch at the Cubs vs LA Dodgers game at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
27 October:
Michael Bond receives his CBE from HRH the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace.
2015
22nd November:
‘PADDINGTON’ wins a BAFTA at the British Academy Children’s Awards...more information.
2016
18th October:
PADDINGTON2 goes into production...more information.
2017