Understanding Paddington Bear: the beloved cultural icon with an official British passport

Is it time for British Airways to offer marmalade sandwiches on their flight menus? One customer who supports this amendment is the famous Paddington Bear – full name Paddington Brown – who has now been granted an official UK passport.

Rob Silva, the co-producer of Paddington in Peru, the latest film in the series, revealed to Radio Times that they had asked the Home Office for a replica to be used for filming. However, they were surprised to find out that Paddington had been issued an official specimen document:

“You wouldn’t think the Home Office would have a sense of humour, but under official observations, they’ve just listed him as Bear”, he said while showing the passport.

– Rob Silva

But why has a fictional bear received an actual passport?  The story of Paddington Bear was first created in 1958 by Michael Bond. His writing was inspired by a teddy bear he bought for his wife on Christmas Eve, which he named after the train station near their flat. He found the toy on its own on a shelf in Selfridges, and along with the bear’s forlorn expression, it reminded him of his memories of child evacuees during World War II, forced to leave their families in the hope of security and prosperity.

Hence, the character of Paddington Bear, who grew up in “Darkest Peru” (as described by Bond) before being sent to the UK by his Aunt Lucy and being found at Paddington station by the Brown family.

Unbeknownst to Bond at the time, this story would result in universal acclaim and fame for Paddington Bear spanning three-quarters of a century. The creation of written sequels, film adaptations, TV adaptations, merchandising, and toys are all testaments to the popularity of the original narrative and especially the popularity of the character of Paddington Bear.

It can now be ascertained that Paddington Bear has become an icon in his own right, a figure that has now eclipsed its origins. I have never read the original books, however, I still at one point in time possessed a cardboard cutout of him (the reason for why is a story for another day). But how did he achieve this level of recognition?

An important element of this popularity comes from the very design of Paddington. His short stature and thick fur encapsulate the duality of Paddington being both a bear and teddy bear, alive and playful as well as small and cuddly. The modern iteration of his design does not attempt to distinguish itself from the past, and his signature blue duffle coat and classic red hat, added in the 1970s and 1980s, have become his staple outfit.

This simple yet unique design is particularly instrumental to his commercial success. He already is a teddy bear, so it is easy to market and sell him to families and children as a toy, but he can also be put on anything from clothes and bags to bed sheets (my father had those) and mugs. The appeal of Paddington merchandise is cross-generational.

Paddington’s popularity is defined mostly, however, by virtue of the character’s ‘Britishness’. He is shown to be well-mannered, kind, and humorous – all characteristics of the stereotypical Brit that have endeared national and global audiences across decades of film and TV. His manner of speaking even heightens this perception, with his eloquent language spoken in received pronunciation (RP) associating him with the establishment and ‘tradition’.

A shining example of Paddington’s links to the establishment is his relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II. As part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a pre-recorded video, of the Queen herself acting alongside CGI Paddington, was played. In the scene, the Queen and Paddington had tea and marmalade sandwiches in Buckingham Palace, ending with the bear thanking the Queen “for everything”.

The scene was immediately regarded as a highlight of the event and was brought back into the public consciousness a few months later following the passing of the Queen, inadvertently cementing Paddington’s place in British cultural history. The Independent reported that a considerable number of Paddington Bear toys had been left at the palace by the public to pay tribute, in addition to swathes of images depicting the two together being shared online.

Paddington Bear’s connection to the establishment has consequently divided opinion on how the character is represented. His arrival in the UK as an illegal migrant is overshadowed by the eagerness and speed to which he assimilates to British culture. This is a representation that some critics argue upholds the concept of ‘ideal migrants’ – those who reject and undermine their own culture as to fit into (white) British culture. Paddington’s abandonment of his original name for Paddington is often cited as an example.

The diversity of the UK has forever been underrepresented in artistic depictions of British culture, such as movies and TV, regardless of its significance and impact; Paddington Bear’s diverse background is isolated amidst other characters of his iconic status, such as James Bond and Winnie the Pooh, making him even more noteworthy.

On the other hand, Paddington Bear is viewed by some as a symbol of migrant justice, helping to raise awareness and inspire conversations about the inequalities he faces as a migrant. This portrayal is especially visible in the first two films, as Paddington is seen suffering from individual discrimination as well as systemic discrimination, both of which stem from his migrant status.

The placement of Paddington Bear in these discussions is ultimately an indication of his multiculturalism. The diversity of the UK has forever been underrepresented in artistic depictions of British culture, such as movies and TV, regardless of its significance and impact. Paddington Bear’s diverse background is isolated amidst other characters of his iconic status, such as James Bond and Winnie the Pooh, making him even more noteworthy.

The home office’s decision to provide Paddington with an official passport is therefore a recognition of this importance as a multicultural icon in contemporary British society. Paddington is a beloved cute and polite bear, whose widespread popularity reflects his universally appealing character, fostering connections with children and adults alike.  His kindness and open-mindedness are values which the government wishes to emphasise and highlight, promoting the belief that being “British” is inclusive to all, not only those who fit a certain profile.