For nearly 70 years, Paddington Bear has delighted generations of readers - appearing in books, stage productions, television shows and blockbuster films.
The beloved bear has even shared the screen with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
But few fans realize that today, Paddington’s adventures begin in an unexpected place: Barrington, Rhode Island.
That’s where illustrator R. W. Alley has spent decades “looking after” the iconic character, drawing new editions of the stories first created by British author Michael Bond.
Inside his sun-filled studio, lined with books and artwork, Alley brings Paddington to life.
“Oh my goodness,” Alley said. “There are very few characters in children’s literature who have Paddington’s range and depth.”
He believes the character’s enduring appeal comes down to something simple.
“The basis of Michael’s character is kindness and acceptance,” Alley said.
For Alley, illustrating Paddington requires more than technical skill.
“I have to be the character I’m drawing,” he said. “I have to be in my head saying the things the character is saying to get the expression on the face.”
His tools include traditional illustration techniques — pen and ink, colored pencils and watercolor.
And occasionally, something a little less conventional.
“Sometimes for Paddington’s fur… some coffee,” Alley said with a laugh.
Sometimes that’s intentional. Sometimes it’s not.
“A coffee cup and the water jar are sometimes too near each other,” he said.
A global icon
Paddington Bear first appeared in 1958, when Bond published A Bear Called Paddington. The stories follow a polite but accident-prone bear from Peru who finds a new home with a London family.
The books have since been translated into dozens of languages and adapted across film, television and theater.
Alley is the fifth illustrator in the series and, having taken up the mantle in 1997, the longest-serving.
Today he continues illustrating new releases, including reissued classics and previously unpublished stories by Bond.
A Rhode Island inspiration
Alley’s creative work doesn’t stop with Paddington.
In recent years he has begun writing and illustrating his own children’s book series called Breezy Valley. The comic-style stories introduce young readers to community workers such as firefighters, builders and librarians.
The series draws heavily from Rhode Island.
“Oh yeah,” Alley said. “Like the firefighter book is informed by the Barrington Fire Department. They vetted everything that I drew.”
The upcoming book in the series is based on a real construction project — the building of a new library.
“It is exactly what happened in Barrington,” Alley said.
To make the story authentic, he even consulted local librarians.
“I worked with the Providence Community Library and its director to find out what a new library would need,” he said.
Lessons from Paddington
After decades illustrating the character, Alley says Paddington has influenced the way he sees the world.
“It makes you less cynical about the world,” he said. “More optimistic about the people you meet. It makes you feel kinder and gentler to the folks you may disagree with.”
The next Paddington release comes this year, marking what would have been Bond’s 100th birthday.
