At Weald & Downland Living Museum we are committed to preserving the skills of the past for future generations. Over the weekend of the 14-15 September we will be inviting members of the Heritage Craft Association to the Museum to showcase their skills alongside our knowledgeable volunteers and staff. As well as demonstrating traditional crafts, these experts will be chatting to visitors about their skills, passing on a slice of history.
Heritage crafts come in many forms, from the skills that helped keep our ancestors alive to crafts that offered comfort or fun. The next person in our Meet the Maker series specialises in creating beautifully made traditional bears. Here we chat to the talented Jackie Smith, founder of Smiffy Bears.
How did you discover your interest in traditional teddy bear making and what prompted you to turn that into a career?
From a very young age, I had eleven bears that stayed with me throughout my childhood, until university – I still have three of them!
I have always loved the softness of the teddy bear as opposed to the hardness of dolls. Growing up I told them all my thoughts and secrets and they never let me down.
When I was at art college I tried to buy bears, but they were just so expensive, so I started to make them instead. Eventually, I also began to collect old, tatty bears and started to restore them. The beautiful thing about old bears is one can’t help but think of its story, who touched and loved it.
How has your craft evolved over the years? Are there any modern techniques you employ, or do you remain true to traditional methods?
I like traditional bears and so I only make my bears in the traditional styles of old. As restorers we discuss different methods, but there are rules in the traditional restoration of bears of old. We always restore them to be exactly as they were and try to change as little as possible to bring an old bear back to life.
Newer bears have no rules and are usually washable, so their techniques are much easier and more flexible.
Do you have a favourite bear you have created?
I love the charm and character of traditional teddy bears. My own patterns have been tried, tested and altered until the face and body are just right.
Tell us a bit about what visitors can expect from your demonstration at Weald & Downland Living Museum?
Visitors will get to see the old materials, including the stuffings, and the joints and eyes. They can witness the beauty of these old teddies first hand and learn to love and appreciate them. I think many people will be surprised about what goes into making a bear and how to take care of him.
Why do you think it is important to keep the skills of the past alive for future generations?
Traditional bear making shows that there is no quick way of replicating the quality and personality of these teddies. Mass-produced bears can never recreate a quality bear that a maker has put care and love into creating and that will last for many years. Quality over quantity always feels better.
Jackie will be joining us at our Made By Hand weekend to demonstrate her skill alongside many other talented craftspeople. As well as a collection of wonderful craft demonstrations, there will be family activities, historical performances and much more.
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