A DISTINCTIVE stuffed animal business celebrated a multi-decade milestone - which has been celebrated with a novel collection.
When Kat Hartley made her first teddy bear, she had no idea of the popularity her legion of unique teddy bears would achieve.
Going from strength to strength since 2005, Brierley Bears have become a well-loved phenomenon, with teddies sold to the furthest corners of the continents.
They have made their way to the likes of Ireland, Malta, Canada and Australia.
Originally hailing from Ardsley, Kat moved to Brierley 20 years ago, inspiring the name for her beloved bears.
At 22 years old, Kat celebrated the birth of her cousin by crafting her a bear, from a pattern in a teddy making book.
Having inherited her artistic temperament from her mum, Kat hit the ground running and went on a course to learn to create jointed bears.
One of Kat’s early bears, ‘Coffee’, made early in her career, has a special role in both the history and anniversary celebration of Brierley Bears.
Kat said: “One of my early bears was Coffee, a little bear made before I truly had a style.
“Back then, their noses were smaller, the bears were lighter and they didn’t yet have the stories and personalities that Brierley Bears are known for today.
“For Brierley Bears’ 20th anniversary, I’ve chosen to re‑create Coffee using that very same pattern, but stitched in the style people recognise as Brierley Bears now.
“The first bear in the collection is for me, and he’s called Artie. “I’ll be making up to 20 more, each one available for adoption.
“Although they form a limited edition, I’ll be staying true to my one-of-a-kind ethos.
“Every bear will be made from the same pattern, but each one will be slightly different, with their own unique name and story.
“Artie has been joined by two brand‑new bears Brighteyes and Softnose, the first trio in ‘The Originals’ collection.
“Brierley Bears achieved their unique appearance organically.
“They’re weighted which given them a luxurious feeling and their noses take over their faces.”
