Paddington Bear (TV series)

The series was produced by FilmFair, a London-based studio known for its work on other children's programmes such as The Wombles and Paddington's contemporary Paddington Bear (the 1989 series). The animation used a distinctive stop-motion technique with 3D puppets placed against cut-out paper backgrounds, giving the show a unique, storybook-like visual style. The puppets were designed by Ivor Wood, who also directed the first series. Wood had previously worked on The Magic Roundabout and later created Postman Pat.¹

The first series of 26 episodes was broadcast on BBC1 between 1975 and 1980, with each episode running approximately 10 minutes. A second series of 30 episodes followed in 1986–1987, with some changes in the production team. The narration was provided by Michael Hordern, whose warm, measured voice became closely associated with the character. The theme music was composed by Herbert Chappell, who also wrote the incidental music for the series.

The series follows the adventures of Paddington, a young bear from Darkest Peru who is found at Paddington Station by the Brown family. He arrives with a suitcase, a jar of marmalade, and a label reading "Please look after this bear. Thank you." The Browns take him in, and he becomes a member of their household at 32 Windsor Gardens. The episodes adapt stories from Michael Bond's books, including A Bear Called Paddington (1958) and its sequels, with occasional original stories.

Paddington is characterised by his politeness, his love of marmalade sandwiches, and his tendency to cause unintentional chaos. His well-meaning but clumsy nature often leads to humorous mishaps, which he typically resolves with a hard stare or a well-timed remark. The supporting cast includes Mr. and Mrs. Brown, their children Judy and Jonathan, the housekeeper Mrs. Bird, and the gruff but kind-hearted Mr. Curry, who frequently becomes the victim of Paddington's misadventures.²

Upon its initial broadcast, Paddington Bear was well received by both critics and audiences, praised for its gentle humour and high-quality animation. The series was exported to many countries, including the United States, where it aired on PBS and later on the Disney Channel. It became a staple of children's programming in the UK and is often cited as a classic example of British animation from the 1970s and 1980s.

The show's popularity helped cement Paddington's status as a cultural icon. In 1979, the series won a BAFTA award for Best Children's Programme (Entertainment/Drama). The second series, produced after a hiatus, maintained the same charm and was equally well received. The series has been released on DVD and is available on streaming platforms, introducing new generations to the character.³

The 1975 series set a high standard for animated adaptations of children's literature, influencing later productions such as Paddington (1989) and the live-action films starring Ben Whishaw (2014, 2017). The stop-motion technique used in the series is often compared to the work of Aardman Animations, though FilmFair's style is distinct in its use of cut-out backgrounds. The series also contributed to the enduring popularity of Paddington Bear, who remains a beloved figure in British culture and beyond.

The show's theme tune, with its distinctive whistling, is instantly recognisable to many. The series has been praised for its faithful adaptation of Bond's stories, capturing the whimsical yet gentle tone of the books. It is often included in lists of the greatest British children's television programmes, and its influence can be seen in later stop-motion series such as Postman Pat and Bob the Builder.

One lesser-known fact is that the series was originally broadcast in a 10-minute slot, but some episodes were later combined into half-hour compilations for international release. The voice of Paddington was provided by actor Michael Hordern, who also narrated the series; he was known for his Shakespearean roles, and his narration gave the show a literary quality. The puppets were made by Ivor Wood, who later created Postman Pat, and the series was one of the first to use a technique called "photographic stills" for backgrounds, which gave it a unique look.¹

Another notable detail is that the series was produced in association with the BBC, but the second series was made by FilmFair alone, with some episodes being co-produced with other companies. The series was also notable for its use of a narrator, rather than dialogue, which was unusual for a children's show at the time. The show's theme music was composed by Herbert Chappell, who also wrote the music for the Blue Peter theme. The series has been praised for its attention to detail, such as the accurate depiction of London locations, including Paddington Station and Windsor Gardens.

Stop-motion

An animation technique where physical objects are moved in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement.

Cut-out animation

A form of stop-motion using flat characters, props, and backgrounds cut from materials such as paper or card.

FilmFair

A British animation studio founded in 1968, known for producing children's television series such as Paddington Bear and The Wombles.

Michael Hordern

A British actor (1911–1995) who narrated and voiced Paddington in the 1975 series, known for his distinguished stage and screen career.

Ivor Wood

A British animator and director (1932–2004) who created the puppets for Paddington Bear and later created Postman Pat.