Every now and then I get the chance to make a bear that is a little different from my usual commissions, and this one was particularly special.
I was invited to a garden party where I knew I would have the opportunity to meet Nigel Mansell, so naturally I decided I couldn’t arrive without making him his very own Minster Lovell Bear.
The design had to be unmistakably Nigel.
I chose a rich blue fabric with contrasting white paws and ears, and hand embroidered his famous Red 5 onto one paw. I also gave him rather distinctive eyebrows and, of course, a moustache — it simply wouldn’t have been a Nigel Mansell bear without one!
Around his neck I added a red, white and blue ribbon and a tiny steering wheel, while “Il Leone” was embroidered discreetly onto his chest. Meaning The Lion, it was the name affectionately given to Nigel by the Italian fans during his time racing for Ferrari.
As with all my bears, it was the little details that brought his character together.
The really special part, though, was being able to give the finished bear to Nigel myself.
His reaction was more than I could have hoped for. He gave me a kiss on the cheek, thanked me and told me that the bear wouldn’t leave his side and would be kept in his office.
For somebody who spends many hours quietly making bears in a little shepherd’s hut in the Cotswolds, that was a rather lovely thing to hear.
I think it’s safe to say that Red 5 has found a very good home.
Lyn
Minster Lovell Bears 🐻🏁