Tuesday 8th June 2021 at 10:00am
Order of Auction
Lot 1 to 217 and 313 - Limited Edition and Collectors Teddy Bears
Lot 218 to 312 - The Artist Bear Collection of Margaret and Gerry Grey of Margaret & Gerry Grey's Teddy Bear Shop (Est.1984)
In May 1984, Margaret & Gerry Grey started their specialist collectors shop in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England in the converted oak beam gallery on the top floor of Gerry's offices. Margaret & Gerry Grey’s was the second specialist teddy bear shop to be opened in Britain. Soon afterwards they moved 15 yards over the road to an old shop and 9 years later they moved to a beautiful listed building only next door. Then shortly before their retirement they moved to a new showroom right in the town centre.
In the mid 1980's the Greys introduced Britain and Europe to the world of the Artist bear when they started to sell exclusively the very best American artist bears.
Subsequently to help improve the skills and knowledge of British Bear Makers they produced a series of Masterclasses with guest instructor Steve Schutt, Joan Woessner, Maria Sibol and Rosalie Frischmann. A couple of years later they produced more courses with top British Artists Jo Greeno and Janet Clark.
Margaret and Gerry produced the first International Teddy Bear Convention to be held in Europe in Easter 1993, ‘Teddies of the World’.
Gerry was the teddy bear consultant for Teddy Bear Times and is also author of several teddy bear books and is acknowledged worldwide for his extensive knowledge on all aspects of bear collecting ranging from old to new. Sadly, Gerry passed away in May 2020 and Margaret now retired is offering part of their collection for others to enjoy.
Lot 314 to 349 - Antique and Vintage Teddy Bears and Soft Toys
Lot 350 to 385 - The private collection of Sue Pearson
Having first collected teddy bears in the 1950s inspired by a gift of her mother’s bear which is staying in the family; in the 1970s Sue started selling teddy bears and dolls at fairs and then a tiny stall in Brighton market; which then turned into the world-famous shop in 1982. The author of a number of well-loved and often used reference books A Collector’s Guide to Bears (1995) and Miller’s Teddy Bears A Complete Collector’s Guide (2001). Sue and her bears have travelled all over Europe America, Japan, and Australia, and appeared on TV many times, on Richard and Judy in the 1990s; she has also given many talks with her bears telling their stories. Sue has now been the UK’s leading dealer in antique and vintage Teddy Bears and Soft Toys for almost 50 years and is still going strong.
Due to downsizing, I have the great pleasure in finding this perfect capsule collection new homes. Don’t worry Sue won’t be without any bears, she is keeping a small display cabinet with tiny bears and you will continue to see her at some fairs and selling on-line.
Lot 386 to 465 - Antique and Vintage Teddy Bears and Soft Toys
Lot 466 to 544 - Traditional Toys
Lot 545 to 581- Dolls' Houses and Chattels
Lot 582 to 652 - Antique and Vintage Dolls
Lot 653 to 671 - Post-war Dolls
Please note this is a non-attended auction.
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