June Kendall

Click here to see June's collection of bears.

June contacted me a little while ago to see if I’d be interested in looking at some of her bears with a view to selling them in the shop. When we eventually met up, I couldn’t help but be drawn to these tiny little characters and many of her creations found a home in the bear den, but not for long as they soon moved onto pastures far and wide!

Called ‘Hardy Bears’ June’s creations range in size from 3 ½ inches (10cm) to 12 inches (30cm). They are part filled with steel shot to give them a weighty feel. They are made from the finest quality mohair in the same way the original ‘Teddy Bear’ was made in the early 1900’s.

June works from home in her own studio designing and hand dying mohair to make very special bears. June started her work as a ‘Bear Artist’ back in 1991 after a visit to the Teddy Bear Museum in Stratford-upon-Avon. Having been inspired to make bears for the Museum, at a time when she was involved exhibiting oil and watercolours for local Dorset Arts & Crafts events – in Celebration of 150 years of Thomas Hardy, June’s bears took on the name of Hardy Bears.

Hardy Bears are popular world wide – who could resist, such adorable little bruins!

Click here to see June's collection of bears.

To read our other Artist Profiles, click here: • Susie James • Christine Pike • Samantha Potter • Linda Willetts