| Rupert
Bear annuals are probably some of the most avidly collected
today. First published in an annual in 1936, Rupert has
been published every year since, in varying formats.
The famous illustrator Mary Tourtel created Rupert and
he first appeared in the Daily Express issue of 8th November
1920. Her husband, Herbert Tourtel, also played a part -
he wrote the verses which appeared with the drawings.
After failing eyesight caused Mary to retire in 1935, Alfred
Edmeades Bestall took over the illustrations and also wrote
the stories himself. Following Bestall, Alex Cubie took the reigns as illustrator for a short while with the stories being written by Freddie Chaplain. John Harrold began illustrating Rupert in 1980 and continued until 2007.
Stuart Trotter, illustrator of Postman Pat, Winnie The Pooh and Thomas the Tank Engine among others, now has the great responsibility of illustrating the little bear. Stuart's first Rupert annual is the edition for Christmas 2008 which also contains all new stories. Stuart admits he has been a life-long fan of Rupert and promises that the little bear will be very much recognisable as the Classic Rupert.
Although Rupert has undergone a few changes - the most
noticeable in the 1973 annual where on the front cover
Rupert was controversially given a white face, instead of
his usual brown face - he is still the lovable bear that
children and adults of all ages can relate to.
With the many different Rupert books, including the Annuals,
(originals and facsimiles), The Adventure Series, and Little
Bear Library Series it's never too soon to start collecting! |
.jpg)
