For over 200 years Deans were known for printing a variety of books including Debretts Peerage (an essential reference to the British aristocracy). When two of their Directors left, inspired by the latest American visions into the untapped market, they established Dean and Green. Soon they were producing a washable, fabric childrens book. The cost was not cheap at 6/- each, the equivalent of £25.00 today, so after negotiations, it was decided that the two companies should merge and concentrate on a new market – printed cotton toys and books. So on August 8th 1903 Deans Rag Book Company was born. They continued with their printed Rag Books, Photo and Scrap Albums, Rag Dolls, Nursery Adornments and the innovative Swimeesy Buoy of 1908, which were actually water wings. During WWI, Deans saw the gap in the market left by the absence of European goods, and in 1915 began production on a line of mohair plush toys. These Kuddlemee Toys were Deans premier catalogued Bears, but it was not until 1922 that Deans crafted their first branded mohair bear. They continued with their success, being the first company to create Mickey Mouse as a toy in 1930, soon to be followed by Donald Duck and Pluto. Over time things change, and in 1972 Deans merged with Gwentoys who had been partially producing some of their lines for them. In 1988 they were under new management, who in observing that a lot of soft toy manufacturing was now being done over seas, decided to focus more on the Limited Edition Collectors Bears. This is the Deans we know today. In 1994 the Deans Collectors Club was formed, proving that their bears were as popular as ever.
“Dean’s Rag Book Co” is a renowned and historic British company known for its pioneering role in the production of cloth and rag books. Established in 1903 by Henry Samuel Dean, the company has a rich heritage in creating soft and interactive books for children.
Dean’s Rag Book Co revolutionized the concept of children’s books by introducing soft and durable cloth books with illustrated stories. These cloth books were not only safe for young children but also easily washable and built to withstand wear and tear.
Over the years, Dean’s Rag Book Co expanded its product range to include a variety of soft toys, rag dolls, and other cloth-based playthings. Each creation exemplifies the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship, making them cherished companions for generations of children.
With a nostalgic appeal and timeless designs, Dean’s Rag Book Co products hold a special place in the hearts of both collectors and parents seeking safe and engaging toys for their little ones. Their dedication to producing enduring and tactile playthings has solidified their position as a leading name in the world of traditional children’s toys.
As an innovative and heritage-rich company, Dean’s Rag Book Co continues to delight children with its delightful and timeless cloth-based creations, preserving the joy of imaginative play and storytelling for generations to come.
World of Bears stocks a range of older Deans Bears before there name was licensed to another manufacturer
