Charlie Bears was founded in 2005 by Charlotte (Charlie) and William Morris in Cornwall, UK. The couple’s vision was to create affordable, collectible teddy bears that did not compromise on quality or detail. With a strong belief that there was a gap in the market for high-quality plush bears, they decided to start their own company. They began their journey by selling their home and moving into a rented farmhouse, where they dedicated themselves to building their dream business. This early phase of their business was humorously referred to as their “Baked Beans on Toast Budget”.

The first collection of Charlie Bears was introduced at a national trade show near Birmingham, England in the spring of 2006. This initial range consisted of just 12 bears but quickly captured the hearts of collectors garnering orders from over 100 stockists. This early triumph was a pivotal moment for the fledgling company, marking the beginning of their journey into the world of collectible teddy bears.

Over the years, Charlie Bears has grown into a global phenomenon, with their creations being cherished by collectors in 37 countries around the world. The company is headquartered in Cornwall, UK, where their Bearhouse (office, warehouse, and gallery) is located. They also have Cubhouses in Victoria, Australia, and Florida, USA. The brand has expanded its reach with official stockists such as Plush Teddies and through appearances on other platforms, making their bears accessible to a wider audience.

Charlie Bears are renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship and unique designs. Each bear is lovingly handmade with meticulous attention to detail, from the cutting of the plush fabric to the hand-embroidered noses and sculpted paw pads. The bears often feature airbrushing to add character and definition. The combination of these elements gives each bear its own personality, which is a hallmark of the Charlie Bears brand  .

Charlie Bears collaborates with several talented bear artists to bring their designs to life. The head designer, Isabelle Lee, is well-known in the bear-making community and has been instrumental in the success of the brand. Other notable designers include Heather Lyell and Alison Mills, each bringing their unique style and creativity to the collections. This collaboration ensures a diverse range of bears, each with its own distinct personality and charm.

Charlie Bears continually innovate with their designs and materials. They use high-quality fabrics such as European plush and Schulte mohair. Some of their bears feature “Random Plush,” a technique where colors are printed directly onto the fabric, resulting in unique variations for each bear. They also introduced “PLUMO” bears, which combine plush and mohair to create a distinctive look and feel.

Today, Charlie Bears continues to create a wide variety of collectible bears and characters, including limited editions and special collections. Their commitment to quality and affordability remains unchanged, ensuring that each bear is not only a beautiful collectible but also a treasured companion. The Bearhouse Gallery in Cornwall offers fans a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Charlie Bears, showcasing the creativity and dedication that goes into each design.