Why Paddington Bear Statues Have Taken Over London
Courtesy VisitBritainBear Humbug
Ant & Dec, longtime TV and radio personalities who currently cohost Britain's Got Talent, designed this whimsical Paddington, who hangs out in front of the shops on Oxford Street.
Courtesy VisitBritainGood News Bear
British daily newspaper The Telegraph also got in the fun, giving Paddington a newsprint outfit.
Courtesy VisitBritainFlutterby
Harry Potter star Emma Watson was a huge Paddington fan as a kid, so she went with a youthful butterfly-inspired bear.
Courtesy VisitBritainGoldie Bear
What else would you expect from a supermodel but solid gold? Kate Moss's bright and shiny bear is in the window of the Selfridge's department store.
Courtesy VisitBritainFuturistic Robot Bear
While many Paddingtons had classic inspirations, chat show host Jonathan Ross drew on his love of science fiction to create a futuristic take on the bear.
Courtesy VisitBritainGolden Paws
Soccer (sorry, "football") star David Beckham gave Paddington his own #7 jersey to wear.
Courtesy VisitBritainDapper Bear
Sherlock Holmes director Guy Ritchie was inspired by artist Cecil Beaton when he designed his Paddington.
Courtesy VisitBritainChief Bear
Man vs Wild star Bear Grylls made this adventurer bear, who greets visitors beginning their journeys at Heathrow Airport.
Courtesy VisitBritainBlush
Nicole Kidman stars as an evil taxidermist in Paddington, but her shiny gold take on the famous bear is much more gentle.
Courtesy VisitBritainBear Necessities
Veteran actor John Hurt, better known as the wand store proprietor Mr. Ollivander from the Harry Potter movies, designed this bear that is now stationed outside the British Museum.
Courtesy VisitBritainThe new movie Paddington brings the eternally lovable kids’ book character to life with the voice of Ben Whishaw. The movie also stars Nicole Kidman, Downton Abbey patriarch Hugh Bonneville, and Peter “Doctor Who” Capaldi. To celebrate the film’s release, 50 custom Paddington statues have been placed all over London. Some resemble famous Brits, while others were inspired by historical figures or landmarks. If you can’t make it to London, check out a few of our favorite takes on the iconic bear.
Courtesy VisitBritainLove Paddington
Fashion designer Lulu Guinness gave Paddington one of her trademark lipstick kisses. Very cheeky!
Courtesy VisitBritainToggle
Artist Benjamin Shine created a nearly unrecognizable Paddington that turns the cuddly bear into a different kind of children's toy.
Courtesy VisitBritainThe Special One
Fans of Chelsea Football Club will love this Paddington, who's all suited up to play in a match.
Courtesy VisitBritainThe Journey of Marmalade
Hugh Bonneville plays Mr. Brown, the dad of the family that adopts Paddington. His colorful outfit is inspired by Paddington's favorite food, marmalade.
Courtesy VisitBritainThe Bear of London
London Mayor Boris Johnson tried to put as many hometown symbols on Paddington's raincoat as possible, including the London Eye, a Tube station sign, and Big Ben.
Courtesy VisitBritainSpirit of Paddington
The Rolls-Royce company gave some of their trademark elegance to this silver, sleek Paddington.
Courtesy VisitBritainSpecial Delivery
Ben Whishaw gives the bear his voice in the film. Here, Paddington is shown inside a sack, because he arrives as a stowaway hidden inside a boat from Peru.
Courtesy VisitBritainPrimrose Paddington
Actress Julie Walters plays the Brown family's housekeeper in Paddington, and she designed this floral bear to be displayed in Primrose Hill.
Courtesy VisitBritainPatchwork Paddington
Eventually, the Paddingtons will be auctioned off to benefit the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. An intern for the NSPCC designed this very special Paddington.
Courtesy VisitBritainSherlock Bear
The Museum of London is currently hosting exhibits about two of London's most iconic fictional characters: Paddington and Sherlock Holmes. Holmes' on-screen portrayer, Benedict Cumberbatch, designed this bear.
Courtesy VisitBritainPaddington the Explorer
Robert Ripley, the founder of Ripley's Believe It Or Not, is a fitting inspiration for the globetrotting bear.
Courtesy VisitBritainPattington Who
Peter Capaldi, the latest actor to take on the iconic role of Doctor Who, gave Paddington a raincoat designed to look like the Doctor's ship, the TARDIS.
Courtesy VisitBritainShakesbear
Actor Michael Sheen designed this bear in homage to William Shakespeare, which is appropriate since this Paddington hangs out in front of the Globe Theatre.
Courtesy VisitBritainPaddington Lloyd Webbear
Andrew Lloyd Webber was inspired by his favorite animal—Cats, of course—when he updated Paddington's look with feline stripes.