Why Paddington Bear Statues Have Taken Over London
Courtesy VisitBritainBear Humbug
Ant & Dec, longtime TV and radio personalities who currently cohost Britain's Got Talent, designed this whimsical Paddington, who hangs out in front of the shops on Oxford Street.
Courtesy VisitBritainGood News Bear
British daily newspaper The Telegraph also got in the fun, giving Paddington a newsprint outfit.
Courtesy VisitBritainFlutterby
Harry Potter star Emma Watson was a huge Paddington fan as a kid, so she went with a youthful butterfly-inspired bear.
Courtesy VisitBritainGoldie Bear
What else would you expect from a supermodel but solid gold? Kate Moss's bright and shiny bear is in the window of the Selfridge's department store.
Courtesy VisitBritainFuturistic Robot Bear
While many Paddingtons had classic inspirations, chat show host Jonathan Ross drew on his love of science fiction to create a futuristic take on the bear.
Courtesy VisitBritainGolden Paws
Soccer (sorry, "football") star David Beckham gave Paddington his own #7 jersey to wear.
Courtesy VisitBritainDapper Bear
Sherlock Holmes director Guy Ritchie was inspired by artist Cecil Beaton when he designed his Paddington.
Courtesy VisitBritainChief Bear
Man vs Wild star Bear Grylls made this adventurer bear, who greets visitors beginning their journeys at Heathrow Airport.
Courtesy VisitBritainBlush
Nicole Kidman stars as an evil taxidermist in Paddington, but her shiny gold take on the famous bear is much more gentle.
Courtesy VisitBritainBear Necessities
Veteran actor John Hurt, better known as the wand store proprietor Mr. Ollivander from the Harry Potter movies, designed this bear that is now stationed outside the British Museum.
Courtesy VisitBritainThe new movie Paddington brings the eternally lovable kids’ book character to life with the voice of Ben Whishaw. The movie also stars Nicole Kidman, Downton Abbey patriarch Hugh Bonneville, and Peter “Doctor Who” Capaldi. To celebrate the film’s release, 50 custom Paddington statues have been placed all over London. Some resemble famous Brits, while others were inspired by historical figures or landmarks. If you can’t make it to London, check out a few of our favorite takes on the iconic bear.
Courtesy VisitBritainLove Paddington
Fashion designer Lulu Guinness gave Paddington one of her trademark lipstick kisses. Very cheeky!
Courtesy VisitBritainToggle
Artist Benjamin Shine created a nearly unrecognizable Paddington that turns the cuddly bear into a different kind of children's toy.
Courtesy VisitBritainThe Special One
Fans of Chelsea Football Club will love this Paddington, who's all suited up to play in a match.
