Could humanity’s ancient coexistence with bears in prehistoric caves have inspired the special bond between children and their beloved teddy bears? This intriguing question sets the tone for Mon ours en peluche, an exhibition curated by Anne Monier Vanryb and Marie-Lou Canovas at the Museum of Decorative Arts (MAD) in Paris.
Surprisingly, the story of the teddy bear is a relatively recent one, especially when compared to the long and rich history of childhood toys. And yet, it’s a story full of delightful anecdotes. The first teddy bears were produced in 1902 by the German company Steiff, but it was an event in the United States that turned them into cultural icons.
That same year, President Theodore Roosevelt famously spared a Louisiana brown bear during a hunting trip. The act of compassion captured the nation’s imagination, sparking the creation of bear-shaped toys on both sides of the Atlantic. Named “Teddy Bears” after Roosevelt’s nickname, these toys quickly became beloved companions.
Simbolo di un animale minacciato, tanto dal riscaldamento climatico che da un’umanità che vi si rapporta in maniera antagonistica, l’orsetto è anche parzialmente adombrato dal primato dello schermo, oramai una consuetudine nella quotidianità dei piccolissimi.
Throughout the 20th century, the teddy bear’s popularity soared, thanks in part to the development of innovative soft plastics that made them irresistibly cuddly. At the same time, psychoanalyst Donald Woods Winnicott explored the teddy bear’s psychological role in childhood development, introducing the concept of the “transitional object.” These objects, he explained, help children bridge the gap between their inner world and external reality, fostering a sense of self and independence. As this understanding gained recognition, the production of plush toys skyrocketed, cementing the teddy bear as both a treasured friend and a symbol of consumer culture, even for the youngest children.
Today, the teddy bear’s role continues to adapt to a rapidly changing world. On one hand, it symbolizes a species in peril – real bears face increasing threats from climate change and human encroachment. On the other hand, the teddy bear must now compete with screens, which dominate children’s attention from an early age. Still, as the exhibition shows, the teddy bear remains culturally relevant and continues to inspire creativity.
From Moschino’s plush-adorned fashion designs to the works of artists like Charlemagne Palestine (Boudouir Peluchoir), Ulala Imai, and Mike Kelley, the teddy bear has found fresh meaning. Its appeal often extends beyond children, drawing in adults who find comfort and nostalgia in its connection to innocence. For many, the teddy bear endures as a timeless symbol of tenderness and joy – a comforting presence in today’s world.