These Deans Rag Book ‘Ivy and Brumas’ Polar Bears, circa 1950, were made to celebrate the first Polar bear cub to be born at London Zoo, to Polar bear mother Ivy, on 29th November 1949. The female baby cub was named Brumas and caused such a stir that in 1950, the Zoo’s annual attendance figures grew to around 1 million more than usual at the time! Brumas was so popular that newsreels, books, postcards, toys and other souvenirs were produced to celebrate her fame including these Deans Rag Book Toys.

The Deans Rag Book Company was founded in 1903 by Henry Samuel Dean. The company originally produced rag books for children, but their expertise in working with cloth and patterns also led them to branch out into other enterprises such as making soft toys and cut-out books.

This ‘Ivy and Brumas’ Polar bear pair are estimated at £200 - £300 and are amongst some of the lovely lots already consigned for our next Fine Dolls, Dolls Houses & Teddy Bears Auction set to take place on 24th May 2023.

Read more about our Teddy Bear department including lots previously sold here.