About Us

Bear Bottoms was started in July 1999 by Joanne McDonald. After working for a number of years in retail and training management Joanne decided on a change of career. The choice of bears was easy as Joanne had collected bears all her life starting with a Dean’s bear as a toddler, adding Nookie, Paddington and Teddy Edward, later adding Steiff limited editions and old bears to her collection. There wasn’t anywhere that offered this type of choice in the North East so Joanne set up Bear Bottoms. The first shop opened in the heart of Durham City and has expanded to become the place to go for quality, originality and customer service. It is proud to offer the largest collection of bears in the North.

Due to the ever increasing range of bears in 2001 Bear Bottoms moved to larger premises just a few yards from its original shop on Elvet Bridge nearer to the heart of the City. This move meant the business could expand to uniquely combine a shop which offers bears on the ground floor and bear making materials on the first floor.

The ground floor offers an ever changing gallery of world renowned artist bears in an antique setting. As well as Steiff, Deans, Merrythought, Hermann, Robin Rive, Cotswold, Boyd’s, Russ, Gund and Mary Meyer. Paddington and Winnie the Pooh items are on constant display combined with a larger selection of bear cards and gifts for all ages and pockets.

Another unusual aspect to Bear Bottoms is its old bear area where bears from the early 20th century through to 1970’s are offered for sale. Joanne is continually researching bears and their makers through the ages and is an expert within this field, working as a consultant valuer for a large auction house. Advice can be given on care, value and manufacturer. (We normally request a small donation of £1 to our charity per consultation). For more information regarding old bears see our HISTORY OF BEARS page.

For the more adventurous the first floor – The Bear Supplies Company offers a plethora of goodie for anyone interested in making bears. Mohair, plush, eyes, joints, fillings, patterns, kits and tools are in abundance as is help and advice on anything technical. Everyone at Bears Bottoms makes bears themselves, so are able to give plenty of helpful hints. If you are just a beginner Bear Bottoms offers a range of novice courses held in its dedicated training room on the second floor. For the more advanced there is design, marketing, advanced and professional courses too. For more information see our WHAT'S HAPPENING? page.

There is always something going on at Bear Bottoms as it holds regular workshops, demonstrations and events. See our WHAT'S HAPPENING? page.

Bear Bottoms is well worth a visit (or two), in addition to everything it is based in Durham which is a magical place to visit in itself.

We look forward to seeing you soon.