The story of Cedric’s creation.

Cedric the bear is the original creation of Katie Eggington (nee Mantell).

Both Cedric and Katie were featured in the BBC programme, Paul Martin’s Handmade Revolution in 2012.  Katie was one of the winning designers and Cedric was proudly displayed in the V&A Museum shop.

On seeing the rerun of the programme in 2016, Lucia decided to approach Katie (they had never met before) to discuss creating a series of children’s stories based on Cedric. Anne Bowes (a talented illustrator and jewellery designer) joined the project and has created some delightful illustrations.

Lucia, Katie and Anne worked together to bring Cedric to life in these three stories. The Adventures of Cedric the Bear is now available worldwide.

Katie Eggington – Original creator of Cedric

Katie Eggington is the designer and creative force behind Creative Threads. Having graduated from Norwich University for the Arts with a first-class BA (Hons) degree in Woven Textiles, Katie carved out a unique product in her distinctive handmade, woven teddy bears. Working from her home studio in Hampshire, Katie meticulously designs and brings to life each bear individually. Cedric was featured in the BBC series, Paul Martin’s Handmade Revolution. As a winner, Cedric was displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Katie’s wider collection of work has also earned its place in the media spotlight, with features in publications including the Dorset Echo, Eastern Daily Press, and the NUA Alumni Magazine. Katie now shares her wealth of weave experience and knowledge with the next generation through her technical weave blog Creative ThrCreative Threads (creative-threads.co.uk).

Lucia Wilson – Author of the Cedric books

Lucia Wilson is a British-born Anglo-Burmese writer of poetry, lyrics and stories for all ages. She is a member of SACEM and PRS and lives in London. Lucia’s novella, The Karloff Tiara, is available on Amazon. In the summer of 2016, Lucia decided to ask Katie if she would like to collaborate on a series of children’s books about Cedric and this led to the creation of “Cedric at the Museum”, “Cedric and the Button Bear” and “Cedric in Paris” with illustrations by Anne Bowes. Other children’s books by Lucia are Costa the Cat in Corfu, Millie and the Pirate Moon and Reggie Ruby, the Pirate of the Trees, also available on Amazon and other outlets.  www.luciawilson.co.uk

Anne Bowes – Illustrator of the Cedric books

Anne Bowes is an artist and jewellery designer based in East Sussex and London. She studied Decorative Arts and Textiles at Camberwell School of Art before going on to a career in graphic design and illustration. Anne created her jewellery brand Anne Bowes. You can follow Anne on Instagram @annebowesillustration and @annebowesjewellery