The story of Merrythought begins some eleven years earlier, when in 1919, W. G. Holmes and G. H. Laxton opened a small spinning mill in Yorkshire to produce mohair yarn from imported raw materials. After the takeover of the mohair plush weaver Tyson Hall & Co. Ltd, they decided to start manufacturing soft toys and in 1930 they founded Merrythought Ltd. The reason for this unusual name is not known. However, Merrythought is an Old English word for a wishbone, the company's trademark.

The first Merrythought bears were made from golden mohair plush. Like many other British bears produced during the 1930's, they had short sturdy legs and rounded arms, ending in spoon-shaped paws. Merrythought quickly became one of the leading soft toy manufacturers in the world and they are still in production today. 

We are currently reviewing our Vintage Bears.