Merrythought – A Wish Comes True


Did you know that ‘Merrythought’ is an old English word for ‘wishbone’? Merrythought founders, Mr Holmes and Mr Laxton were well aware when they chose the title and trademark for a company which was to succeed far beyond their wishes. Holmes and Laxton were textile manufacturers based in Yorkshire who produced mohair yarn. The business was only fairly successful and both men wished for a more viable business option. When demand for the yarn declined in the 1930s they decided to use the material to produce a range of soft toys - thus Merrythought Ltd, later to become one of the most successful British toy manufacturing companies, was born.

Although working with traditional materials and with classic teddy bear shapes, Merrythought has produced a huge range of teddies and always sought to be a little original. ‘Punkinhead’ - ancestor of the ‘Cheeky’ bear family is one of its most famous creations. Punkinhead was made exclusively as the mascot for Eaton’s Department store in Toronto, Canada and he became the hero of several storybooks, as well as the leader of the annual Santa Claus parade. The celebrated bear dressed in bright yellow shorts was made in brown mohair bear with a velvet muzzle, black stitched nose and mouth, large black eyes, velvet feet and brown felt pads. However the feature which was to bring him worldwide fame was his wild Mohican haircut of white mohair! The bear has always been popular on the collectibles market. One was sold by Christie’s in December, 2000 for £2,920, well over the estimate of £600 – 800.

‘Cheeky’ is another Merrythought bear which will often feature on a collector’s wishlist. Cheeky was designed by Jean Barber in 1955. Barber had made her name at Merrythought creating designs for Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck. She had the clever idea of putting a bell in the bear’s ear, as opposed to the Steiff button, and Cheeky was soon the most popular bear on the market. Made in golden mohair plush, Cheeky had a mischievous little face with orange and black glass eyes and a black stitched nose. Variations included ‘Mr Twisty Cheeky’ made in bendable blue fabric and dressed in red dungarees with a blue felt patch. Both bears are valued between £700 and £900.