Old Teddy bear with tutlap by Willy Sengers

About "Old Teddy bear with tutlap"

by Willy Sengers

About the artwork

This old teddy bear made of long-haired cinnamon-colored mohair was made by Henk van der Vrande.
The bear has glass boot button eyes and wool felt hands and feet.
Made in the Steiff tradition to his own design.
The characterful teddy bear sits on an antique marble-topped bedside table with the tut-hug of Henk's granddaughter in his arms.
Margarethe Steiff began her toy empire about a century ago in Germany. The family needed money, so it was imperative that Margarethe, despite her disability (she had had polio as a girl) also make her contribution.
She began as a seamstress in her brother's business. For fun, she made a pincushion out of wool felt. It was so much fun and liked that everyone wanted one. The idea for the teddy bear was quickly born after that.
When Teddy Roosevelt paid a visit to Europe, Margarethe made a teddy bear especially for this purpose for their stand. A teddy bear made of mohair, stuffed with straw and with wool felt hands and feet.
And with the so characteristic 'Knopf I'm Ohr'; a gold-colored button in the bear's ear with the usually yellow and red embroidered label. The guarantee of their extraordinary quality.
That bear was a great success and the demand was so great, also from the U.S., that soon the whole company only made Teddy Bears. After that Margarethe designed many different models, but they also made beautiful characteristic felt dolls.