Winnie-the-Pooh's Centenary Sparks Debate Over Toy's Home
The beloved bear's original toys remain at the New York Public Library, prompting calls for their return to Britain.
As Winnie-the-Pooh celebrates his 100th anniversary, a debate has resurfaced regarding the permanent residence of the original toys that inspired the character. The stuffed animals, including Pooh, Tigger, Kanga, Eeyore, and Piglet, are currently housed at the New York Public Library (NYPL), drawing attention from both sides of the Atlantic.
The character of Winnie-the-Pooh, created by A. A. Milne, first appeared in a poem in 1924 and was prominently featured in the 1926 book "Winnie-the-Pooh." The toys that inspired Milne's creation were purchased by the author for his son, Christopher Robin. These original models, along with others that inspired his friends, have been in New York since 1947.
They arrived in the United States as part of a publicity tour organized by the book's U.S. publisher, E.P. Dutton. Their continued presence in New York is attributed to Christopher Robin's lack of interest in reclaiming them. After a period at Dutton's offices, the toys were donated to the NYPL in 1987 and have remained there since.
The NYPL is marking Pooh's centenary with an exhibition titled "Silly Old Bear!" which features reproductions of the original stories and E. H. Shepard's illustrations. Queen Camilla recently contributed a modern reproduction of Roo to the exhibition in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
However, this centenary has also reignited calls from some in Britain for the toys' repatriation. Arguments for their return are rooted in Pooh's status as a British creation. Attempts to bring the toys back to the UK have occurred periodically. In the 1980s, Milne's biographer Gyles Brandreth reportedly received a firm refusal from the library. Later, in 1998, British politician Gwyneth Dunwoody urged Prime Minister Tony Blair to lobby President Bill Clinton for their return, a request that was also unsuccessful.
The New York Post, in a 1998 editorial, responded to such repatriation efforts with the headline "GET STUFFED!" and emphasized the toys' place at the NYPL. Even an inquiry from a representative of President Barack Obama during David Cameron's tenure as Prime Minister reportedly met with a similar resolute response from NYPL CEO and President Dr. Tony Marx, who stated the answer was "no."
An NYPL spokesperson confirmed that the library has been the "proud steward" of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends since 1987 and expressed excitement for the centenary celebrations, inviting the public to view the collection for free.
The ongoing debate over the toys' location highlights their cultural significance and the enduring affection they hold globally, while underscoring the library's commitment to preserving them for public display.