Rita Harwood has impeccable bear-making credentials. For several years she was Creative Editor on Teddy Bear Scene magazine, designing and creating consistently imaginative bears and animals for readers to make. With her constant experimentation and innovation, she is always stretching the boundaries of what is possible in bear artistry. She has also been responsible for making some of the most talked about teddies in recent years, including Agent Triple O Seven, a tribute to a certain secret agent. More recently Rita created a special ‘Meady’ bear, inspired by West End star Lee Mead’s portrayal of Joseph in the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The original was made as a Teddy Bear Scene project but when Lee Mead saw the bear he asked Rita to make one for him, so in February 2008 Rita and I had the pleasure of presenting the bear to him at the Adelphi Theatre in London.  

 

 Click on the bear's name for a larger picture.

	‘I’d Do Anything’ Collection The success of Meady bear prompted Rita and I to continue the West End theme. We both have a passion for musical theatre so when I heard that a new production of Oliver! was opening this year, I knew exactly what I wanted Rita to make next: teddy bear interpretations of Fagin, Nancy and Oliver. The result, I believe, is quite exceptional. All three are one-of-ones and are made from finest German mohair; they are hand sewn by Rita using her own innovative designs.
	Oliver Oliver, approximately 11 inches, has appealing blue eyes and wispy blond hair. His design was inspired by Gwion, the young Welsh boy who won the part of Oliver on a recent BBC TV show. Oliver wears a hat and scarf and is carrying a hand made pot bowl with tiny grains of left over gruel in the base.  Special Price: £60 (was £125) plus p&p (med)
	Nancy Nancy, approximately 12.5 inches high, is made from a pretty pink mohair. A unique feature is her ultra-feminine shape - in the buff looks like she is wearing an all-in-one leotard – and she also has eyelashes. Nancy wears a petticoat, dress, cummerbund and shoulder scarf. Special Price: £95 (was £200)plus p&p (med)
	Fagin Fagin, approximately 15 inches high, wears a hat, a lined and pocketed, fully functional waistcoat, a tailored and lined, fully functional 2-pocket coat, a cravat, four hankies, and a watch. He has a 12-piece inset head, Rita’s trade mark nose and tails and nut and bolt joints. He is a considerable weight thanks to the steel shot in his tummy. Everything that Fagin wears was designed and created by Rita with the exception of his watch and chain, and his hat (although Rita embellished it herself). Special Price: £120 (was £250) plus p&p (med/large)