Paddington is a fictional character from British children’s literature who first appeared in 1958. Created by author Michael Bond, Paddington is a polite bear from Peru who was found at Paddington Station in London and adopted by the Brown family. He’s known for his duffle coat, marmalade sandwiches, and kindness.
Who Created Paddington?
Michael Bond invented Paddington Bear in 1958 with the publication of “A Bear Called Paddington.” Bond’s inspiration came from a lonely teddy bear he saw on a shelf in a London shop on Christmas Eve 1956. He bought it as a gift for his wife and wrote the first book in just ten days.
Bond was also inspired by memories from World War II. He recalled seeing newsreels of child evacuees leaving London with labels around their necks and their possessions in small suitcases. This image shaped Paddington’s character as a refugee arriving with his famous “Please look after this bear” label.
Where Did Paddington Come From?
Paddington arrived as a stowaway from “Darkest Peru.” He was raised by his Aunt Lucy after being orphaned in an earthquake as a baby. When Aunt Lucy moved to the Home for Retired Bears in Lima, she taught Paddington to speak English and arranged for him to stow away in a ship’s lifeboat.
He made his journey to England and was discovered sitting on his suitcase at Paddington Station in London. The Brown family found him there and gave him his name, based on the station where he was found. Originally, his Peruvian name was too difficult for the Browns to pronounce.
What Makes Paddington Special?
Paddington is known for his politeness, courtesy, and kindness to everyone around him. He always addresses people as “Mr,” “Mrs,” or “Miss” and has genuine good intentions. Despite his politeness, he delivers a famous “hard stare” when people misbehave, a technique his Aunt Lucy taught him.
He’s rarely without his signature items: an old bush hat, a blue duffle coat with wooden toggles, Wellington boots, and a brown leather suitcase. Most importantly, he’s famous for his endless love of marmalade and always carries a jar with him. He even keeps marmalade sandwiches tucked under his hat for emergencies.
The Brown Family and His Life in London
The Browns adopted Paddington and brought him home to 32 Windsor Gardens near Notting Hill. The family includes Mr. Henry Brown, Mrs. Mary Brown, their two children, Judy and Jonathan, and their housekeeper, Mrs. Bird. Each family member grew to love the kind-hearted bear, though he had his own birthday celebration.
Since Paddington wasn’t sure how old he was when discovered, the Browns decided to start his age at one. They also gave him two birthdays each year, celebrating on June 25 and December 25, just like the Queen does.
His Greatest Adventures and Friendships
Paddington’s daily life revolves around his adventures in London. His best friend is Mr. Gruber, who owns an antiques shop on Portobello Road. The two share “elevenses” (tea and buns) almost every day, and Paddington turns to Mr. Gruber whenever he needs advice or help.
His other notable neighbor is Mr. Curry, the Browns’ grumpy and mean next-door neighbor. Mr. Curry constantly tries to take advantage of Paddington’s good nature, but Paddington usually manages to outsmart him. Almost all his misadventures end with Mr. Curry getting his comeuppance.
Despite getting into plenty of trouble through misunderstandings and innocent mistakes, Paddington always manages to set things right in the end. His adventures show that kindness, politeness, and good intentions matter.
How Paddington Became a Cultural Icon
Since his first appearance in 1958, Paddington has grown into one of the most beloved characters in British children’s literature. The Paddington books have been translated into 30 languages, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide.
The character has appeared in multiple television series, including a classic stop-motion BBC series that aired from 1976 to 1980. More recently, the live-action films “Paddington” (2014) and “Paddington 2” (2017) won worldwide acclaim. “Paddington 2” even achieved a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the most-reviewed films ever to maintain that score.
Paddington appeared with Queen Elizabeth II in a pre-recorded sketch during the Platinum Party at the Palace in 2022, further cementing his status as a Great British icon. He was also featured on 50p coins in 2018 to mark the 60th anniversary of the first book.
Why Paddington Still Matters Today
Paddington’s story centers on themes of kindness, acceptance, and integration. As a refugee from Peru, he represents compassion toward outsiders and immigrants. His character teaches that opening your heart to others, regardless of their differences, creates a more compassionate world.
The message “If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right” comes from the films and reflects the core of Paddington’s character. He shows children and adults alike that small acts of kindness can transform lives and solve problems.
Paddington remains relevant because he embodies timeless values. His polite nature, willingness to help others, and genuine goodness offer a counterpoint to today’s cynical world. Whether in books, television, or film, Paddington reminds us that courtesy and kindness never go out of style.
FAQs
What is Paddington Bear’s favorite food?
Paddington loves marmalade sandwiches the most. He often keeps one hidden under his hat. He eats them during adventures or when hungry. Marmalade is his signature treat always.
What color is Paddington’s duffle coat?
Paddington wears a bright blue duffle coat. It has wooden toggle buttons for closure. He pairs it with red Wellington boots. This outfit makes him instantly recognizable.
What label does Paddington wear when found?
It reads “Please look after this bear.” The label touched the Browns’ hearts deeply. It showed he needed kindness and care. That moment changed his life forever.
Does Paddington have a pet or animal friend?
Paddington doesn’t have a pet companion. However, he loves meeting other animals. He often helps them during his adventures. His kindness wins everyone’s trust easily.
Where does Paddington like to shop?
Paddington often visits Portobello Road Market. He shops with his friend Mr. Gruber. They enjoy tea, buns, and friendly talks. It’s one of his favorite daily routines.
Next Steps
Paddington’s world continues to expand with new adaptations and films. A stage musical is set to open at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End in November 2025, introducing the beloved bear to a new generation.
Whether you’re discovering Paddington for the first time or revisiting an old friend, his stories offer timeless lessons about love, acceptance, and the power of being kind to everyone you meet.
