Up for sale: Herefordshire woman’s 4,000 teddy bears

Susan Collard, who died in early 2022, asked her husband Les to have her collection auctioned and for the money raised go to Herefordshire Wildlife Trust.

Mrs Collard, of Tupsley, had been putting her collection together since 1994, buying at Christie's South Kensington in the 'good old days' of their bear auctions, said Mr Collard.

Susan Collard vintage teddy bear collection

Susan Collard vintage teddy bear collection

She also sourced bears from all over the country, mainly buying at local auctions, and Special Auction Services when auctioneer Daniel Agnew moved the bear sales to them.

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The bears were packed into four rooms of her home, with others spilling into other rooms.

Susan Collard vintage teddy bear collection

Susan Collard vintage teddy bear collection

Mr Collard lovingly supported her collecting and wishes them all to go to good new homes.

They will be sold by Mr Agnew at Special Auction Services in different lots.

The first part will be a single owner auction on the December 8.

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Susan Collard vintage teddy bear collection

Susan Collard vintage teddy bear collection

This will be between 400 and 500 lots of the best antique and vintage bears; the overflow will be included in spring and summer 2023 auctions.

Susan Collard vintage teddy bear collection

Each bear is either named or numbered, cross referenced in four folders with original price and place of purchase.

Mr Collard said he has been told they could raise between £40,000 and £50,000.