BROAD Street has a new permanent resident following the unveiling of a statue of one of literature’s most iconic characters today, Wednesday, October 9.
Reading is among 23 locations where statues of Paddington Bear have been unveiled ahead of the latest chapter in his adventures on the silver screen, Paddington in Peru.
The fixture has been installed on the benches outside Waterstones in the town centre, donning his characteristic blue duffel coat and red hat, with a marmalade sandwich in hand.
Statues were unveiled in 23 locations across the UK, including at the Land’s End signpost, the John O’Groats, Westfield in London, Manchester’s Hardman Square, Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square Garden, Cardiff, Salisbury, and Newbury as part of the Paddington Visits trail.
The character’s creator, Michael Bond, grew up and attended school in Reading, as well as beginning his working life in the town.
Bond began working for the BBC in Reading, and was working as an engineer’s assistant on the roof a building in Reading town square when the building was blown up in a German bombing raid in February 1943.
Paddington himself was inspired by Bond’s memories of seeing children arriving at Reading Station with their suitcases and name tags as they were evacuated during World War Two.
Deputy mayor Alice Mpofu-Coles said at the unveiling: “It feels historic, especially when you look at the origins of where the Paddington books came from.
“Many people may not know the relevance of the story, of Paddington’s tag, which comes from the name tags given to children fleeing the war.
“The backstory of Paddington is about kindness and respect, and the value of those things, which Reading has always sought to encapsulate.”
She explained:” It is one of the things which adds to the cultural diversity and warmth of the town.
“It visibly celebrates those values, so it’s incredible to be a part of the 23 on the trail line.”
Alexa Volker of Reading’s Economic and Destination Agency: “We’re so excited to be part of the trail, and it’s great to have such a lovely character who brings friendliness and kindness in our town centre.
“We have a huge population of people who have made Reading their home who haven’t been born here–myself included– and I think Paddington will resonate with a lot of those people.”
Paddington in Peru releases in cinemas on November 8, created by STUDIOCANAL.
