Norway
Beautiful quality, traditionally designed and handmade collectors bears and animals. Handmade in stunning fjords of Bergen Norway.
Hello! My name is Gail Thornton and I am the creator and proud owner of Bisson Bears, now 25 years old. I began creating Bisson Bears after my son, Connor was born. I simply wanted to try and make Connor a teddy bear. And so, the fantastic journey of Bisson Bears began and what a journey they have taken me on! The wonderful people I have met and the places I have travelled to are too many to mention.
IÂ decided on the name Bisson Bears after my French Grandpa, Philippe Bisson, who was born in Paris in the late 19th century and more importantly for my wonderful, Mum, Patricia.
I have always loved teddy bears. What’s not to love about a wonderful hug and the comfort the give?! I began as an artist in the beautiful Lake District, where I was born in Kendal. Though not teddy bears, but rather sculpting, mainly from clay and although I did make a few animal caricatures, my sculptures were mainly of people.
However, since my journey designing bears began, in the beautiful Scottish Borders, where I was living at the time, I have never looked back. In 25 years, the thrill and joy of designing new characters have never diminished and I love creating new designs as much now as I did in the beginning.
I have exhibited at the wonderful Hugglets shows for over 22 years and really look forward to the time when we can all meet up in London again. In the meantime, I am very much looking forward to being part of the new online Hugglets show and sharing my new designs with you all there.