Making memories since 1979
Canterbury Bears was founded in 1979 by the late Modern British painter John Blackburn. Over 40 years on, the business remains family run. Together with a truly dedicated team we design and create beautiful hand-made English bears.
Handmade in Canterbury
All our creations are designed and made in our workshops, situated in a small village close to the historic Cathedral City of Canterbury in Kent. The unwavering ethos of our family business is that we are 100% designed and handmade in England.
In 1987 we were granted the privilege of using the City of Canterbury coat of arms as our logo; this ancient marque is registered by the Garter King of Arms and dates from the 11th Century.
What makes our bears special
We know that every bear occupies a special place in the heart of their owner. We ensure that each one of our bears, and other animal friends, is truly individual.
Our makers love what they do and between us we have over 200 years of bear-making experience. When you buy from Canterbury Bears, we guarantee your purchase has been made with love by an experienced and dedicated team here in the heart of the English countryside.
Our bears, and their animal friends, are made to the very highest environmental standards, from materials to working practices.
Bear Beginnings
Canterbury Bears was founded in 1979 the late Modern British painter John Blackburn.
The company was created in response to a friend searching for a traditional bear for his grandmother, and he commissioned John to design and make one. The rest is history.
Honours Arrive
In 2016 John Blackburn was awarded an MBE for services to manufacturing and export in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
John's legacy is one of art & artistry and we continue to honour his memory in all aspects of our family business.
Canterbury Bears Today
Today, the business is run by John's daughter Kerstin and her mother Maude. Together with a truly dedicated team we design and create beautiful hand-made English bears, while other animals also add to the magic of what we do.
