Peter Bull is often affectionately remembered as the “father of teddy bear collecting,” a title that speaks volumes about his unexpected yet significant contribution to the world of adult hobbies. While he enjoyed a distinguished and lengthy career as a character actor in film, television, and theatre, it was his passionate advocacy for teddy bear collecting that truly set him apart and endeared him to a wider audience. Born in London on March 21, 1912, Peter Bull came from a notable family; his father was Sir William Bull, a Member of Parliament. After his education, Bull initially pursued journalism before embracing his true calling: the stage and screen.
From Stage to Screen: The Acting Career of Peter Bull
Peter Bull’s journey into acting began in 1933, marking the start of a career that would span five decades and encompass over 60 roles. His acting career was temporarily paused while he served with distinction in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during World War II, earning the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in the Mediterranean. Returning to acting after the war, Bull became a familiar face in both British and American productions. He was particularly known for his memorable character roles, including the stern Captain of the German vessel Louisa in the classic film The African Queen (1951) and the enigmatic Soviet Ambassador Alexi de Sadesky in Stanley Kubrick’sCold War satire Dr. Strangelove (1964). These roles showcased his versatility and talent, cementing his place as a respected character actor. Yet, despite his acting achievements, Peter Bull’s lasting legacy would be tied to something far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood: his profound love for teddy bears.
The Accidental Advocate for Adult Teddy Bear Lovers
The transition from respected actor to teddy bear champion began, surprisingly, at a dinner party in New York City. A casual conversation about childhood teddy bear traumas sparked a memory in Bull – the poignant recollection of returning from boarding school to find his own beloved teddy bear donated to a jumble sale by his mother. This shared experience resonated deeply within him, and already being a collector himself, Bull felt compelled to explore this often-dismissed passion further.
Upon returning to London, Peter Bull took a bold step. He placed an advertisement in The Times, a reputable national newspaper, requesting stories and photographs related to teddy bears from readers of all ages. This, coupled with a similar appeal on NBC’s Today program during a US visit, ignited an extraordinary response. The overwhelming influx of over 2,000 replies underscored a hidden sentimentality and nostalgia surrounding teddy bears that resonated with people far and wide. Among the responses was a touching poem from the esteemed poet Sir John Betjeman, who recounted the childhood anxiety caused by his teddy bear, Archibald Ormsby-Gore, being hidden as punishment.
These collected stories and images became the heart of Bull’s seminal book, Bear with Me, published in 1969. The book struck a chord with the public, catapulting Peter Bull into an unexpected role as a media personality and advocate for adult teddy bear collecting. He appeared on popular television shows like Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin, charming audiences with his articulate and sincere appreciation for teddy bears. In a society that often relegated teddy bears to childhood, Peter Bull, a grown man of considerable stature, openly declared his affection, making it acceptable, even fashionable, for adults to embrace their own fondness for these cuddly companions. He legitimized teddy bear collecting as a hobby for adults, sparking a wave of enthusiasm that continues to this day.
Delicatessen Becomes Aloysius: A Teddy Bear Superstar
Peter Bull’s television appearances not only popularized teddy bear collecting but also led to a serendipitous addition to his own “hug” of teddies. He received a gift of a vintage teddy bear from Maine, USA, which he affectionately named Delicatessen, in a nod to its origins. However, Delicatessen’s destiny was far from being just another member of Bull’s collection.
In 1981, Delicatessen was chosen for a starring role as Aloysius, Sebastian Flyte’s beloved teddy bear, in the acclaimed PBS miniseries adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited. The series was a resounding success, and Aloysius, played by Delicatessen, became an instant icon. Aloysius’s fame reached such heights that he even had his paw pads imprinted in cement outside Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, a rare honor for a teddy bear. Solidifying his celebrity status, Peter Bull officially changed Delicatessen’s name to Aloysius by deed poll on February 21, 1982, cementing his place in teddy bear history.
Alongside Aloysius, Peter Bull cherished another teddy bear, a miniature 4-inch Steiff bear named Theodore. Theodore was Bull’s constant companion, small enough to reside in his chest pocket and accompany him everywhere. When at home in his Chelsea flat, Theodore even had his own miniature shop, highlighting the deep affection Bull held for all his teddy bears, big and small.
Bully Bear and a Lasting Teddy Legacy
Peter Bull’s influence extended beyond collecting and advocacy. In 1979, he collaborated with the renowned British toy manufacturer House of Nisbet Ltd. to create a new teddy bear named “Bully Bear.” This collaboration was a testament to Bull’s standing in the teddy bear world. “Bully Bear” became the central character in a series of six books authored by Bull, further cementing his contribution to teddy bear lore. The “Bully Bear” series expanded to include other characters like “Young Bully” and “Bully Minor,” demonstrating the enduring appeal of Bull’s teddy bear creations. Even after Peter Bull’s death from a heart attack on May 20, 1984, at the age of 72, his legacy continued. House of Nisbet issued a “Tribute Bully Bear” in his honor, and also produced a replica of Aloysius, though legal reasons necessitated naming it “Delicatessen.”
Peter Bull’s generosity extended to sharing his beloved collection. Most of his teddy bears were donated to the London Toy and Model Museum, ensuring that his passion would continue to bring joy to others. Aloysius, the star of Brideshead Revisited, now over a century old, resides with Ian Pout at Teddy Bears of Witney in Oxfordshire, a testament to his enduring fame and the lasting impact of Peter Bull, the actor who made teddy bear collecting not just acceptable, but undeniably cool.
Alt: Peter Bull, a distinguished British actor and author, poses with Aloysius, his famous teddy bear from Brideshead Revisited, showcasing his passion for teddy bear collecting.
Alt: Close-up of Aloysius, the iconic teddy bear character from Brideshead Revisited, highlighting his classic design and historical significance in teddy bear collecting.
