Merrythought to produce Olympic bear
English Teddy Bear stalwart, Merrythought Ltd, has been named as the
manufacturer of the official range of commemorative bears to mark the
London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic
Games (LOCOG) confirmed Merrythought will produce a range of limited
edition commemorative and collectable mohair teddy bears in celebration
of the London 2012 Games and London's heritage as a previous host city.
Established
in 1930 in Ironbridge, near the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock,
Merrythought is a traditionally run business that still crafts every
bear by hand in the UK, having used the same techniques and skills for
more than 80 years. The business is run by Oliver Holmes, grandson of
founder Gordon Holmes.
Contributing approximately £80 million
to the cost of staging the Games, official London 2012 merchandise is
set to include over 10,000 consumer products. Alongside the Merrythought
bear, other items include mascot bedding, children’s annuals plus ‘100
greatest Olympians and Paralympians’ books, collectables from childhood
favourites ‘Hornby’, exclusive coins from the Royal Mint and scooters
from Tandem.
LOCOG Commercial Director Chris Townsend commented:
"We are delighted Merrythought is on board to produce this exclusive
range of memorabilia. They are a well-established UK company that has
been operating for over 80 years, manufacturing all its product in the
UK. To us there was no question that the great British teddy bear could
become a symbol to mark London 2012."
The official London 2012
Olympic commemorative bear will be on sale at selected retailers
including official London 2012 shops at St Pancras station, Paddington
station, John Lewis Oxford Street, online and other good High Street
retailers, priced around £69.95.
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