A celebration of British craftsmanship, timeless tradition and teddy bears made to be treasured for generations.
We are absolutely delighted to announce our latest brand partnership with Merrythought, one of Britain's most prestigious and cherished teddy bear manufacturers.
Beginning at the end of October 2026, Charterwells will be welcoming a beautiful selection of Merrythought's handcrafted teddy bears and collectable characters to our website.
This exciting addition brings together two shared passions: exceptional British craftsmanship and beautiful collectables that can be treasured for a lifetime.
Merrythought – A British Heritage Since 1930
Founded in 1930, Merrythought has been creating exquisite teddy bears for more than 95 years. Based in the historic town of Ironbridge, Shropshire, the family-owned company has proudly preserved the traditional art of British teddy bear making across four generations. Every Merrythought teddy bear continues to be lovingly handcrafted in England, at the company's original Ironbridge factory.
In an age of mass production, Merrythought remains dedicated to the skills, quality and attention to detail that have made its creations so highly regarded by collectors and teddy bear enthusiasts around the world.
Beautifully Handmade Using the Finest Materials
What makes a Merrythought teddy bear so special?
Each bear is individually crafted by skilled artisans using carefully selected premium materials and traditional techniques. These include:
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Luxurious mohair plush: Beautifully textured, soft and durable, giving each bear its distinctive character.
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Pure wool felt: Used for delicate detailing and traditional finishing touches.
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Cotton velvet: Providing beautifully soft paws and carefully crafted features.
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Hand-embroidered detailing: Each bear's nose and smile are carefully stitched to create its own charming personality.
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Traditional jointed construction: Carefully assembled arms, legs and heads, reflecting generations of British teddy bear-making expertise.
Selected designs also incorporate recycled polyester filling and recycled glass beads to provide their characteristic weight and feel.
Every bear is finished with Merrythought's distinctive gold-and-black label, proudly stitched to its paw as a symbol of authenticity and British craftsmanship.
A Wonderful Collection of Traditional and Collectable Bears
Merrythought offers an enchanting selection of designs, appealing to both lifelong collectors and those discovering the magic of traditional teddy bears for the first time.
Traditional Teddy Bears
Beautifully handcrafted classic teddy bears, combining timeless designs with exceptional quality. Perfect as thoughtful gifts, treasured keepsakes or companions to be passed down through generations.
Limited Edition & Collectable Bears
Specially designed bears produced in limited quantities, often individually numbered and accompanied by certificates of authenticity. These exceptional creations are particularly appealing to collectors seeking something distinctive.
Heritage & Character Bears
Celebrating Merrythought's remarkable history, these collections include much-loved characters such as the famous Cheeky Bear, alongside designs inspired by the company's historic archives.
Paddington Bear
Merrythought also creates beautifully handcrafted Paddington bears, bringing one of Britain's most beloved literary characters to life through traditional British craftsmanship.
From classic designs to exclusive collector editions, Merrythought represents a wonderful combination of nostalgia, artistry and enduring quality.
Proudly Made in England
One of the qualities we admire most about Merrythought is its unwavering commitment to British manufacturing.
Every Merrythought teddy bear is handcrafted at the company's historic factory in Ironbridge, Shropshire, supporting traditional skills and preserving an important part of Britain's manufacturing heritage.
For customers who value authentic British-made gifts and collectables, Merrythought offers something truly special.