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Michael Bond
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Thomas Michael Bond CBE (13 January 1926 – 27 June 2017) was an English author. He is best known for a series of children's books featuring the character of Paddington Bear. More than 35 million books in the series have been sold worldwide, and the characters have also appeared in several animated television series, a film series, and a stage musical.

Key Information

Early life

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Thomas Michael Bond was born on 13 January 1926 in Newbury, Berkshire.[1] He grew up in Reading, where his visits to Reading railway station to watch the Cornish Riviera Express pass through started a love of trains. His father was a manager for the post office.[2] He was educated at Presentation College in Reading. His time there was unhappy. He told The Guardian in November 2014 that his parents had chosen the school "for the simple reason [that his] mother liked the colour of the blazers ... she didn't make many mistakes in life, but that was one of them". He left education aged 14, despite his parents' wishes for him to go to university.[2] The Second World War was under way and he went to work in a solicitor's office for a year, and then as an engineer's assistant for the BBC.[3]

On 10 February 1943[4] Bond survived an air raid in Reading. The building in which he was working collapsed under him, killing 41 people and injuring many more.[5][6] Shortly afterwards he volunteered for aircrew service in the Royal Air Force as a 17-year-old, but he was discharged after being found to suffer from acute air sickness.[citation needed] He then served in the Middlesex Regiment of the British Army until 1947.[7]

Author

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Art installation depicting Bond in Saint Mary's Square, Paddington, with Paddington Bear

Bond began writing in 1945, when he was stationed with the Army in Cairo, and sold his first short story to the magazine London Opinion. He was paid seven guineas and thought that he "wouldn't mind being a writer".[2] After he'd produced several plays and short stories, and had become a BBC television cameraman (he worked on Blue Peter for a time), his first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published by Collins in 1958. Barbara Ker Wilson had read his draft at one sitting and she then phoned Bond at the number given. She was put through to Lime Grove Studios. Bond had to tell her that he wasn't supposed to take calls at work.[8]

This was the start of Bond's series of books recounting the tales of Paddington Bear, a bear from "darkest Peru", whose Aunt Lucy sends him to the United Kingdom, carrying a jar of marmalade. In the first book the Brown family find the bear at Paddington Station, and adopt him, naming the bear after the station.[7] By 1965 Bond was able to give up his BBC job to work full time as a writer.[9]

Paddington's adventures have sold over 35 million books, have been published in nearly 20 countries, in over 40 languages, and have inspired pop bands, race horses, plays, hot air balloons, movies and adaptations for television.[7][10] Bond stated in December 2007 that he did not plan to continue the adventures of Paddington Bear in further volumes,[11] but in April 2014 it was reported that a new book, entitled Love From Paddington, would be published that autumn. In Paddington, a 2014 film based on the books, Bond had a credited cameo as the Kindly Gentleman.[12]

Bond also wrote another series of children's books, telling of the adventures of a guinea pig named Olga da Polga, who was named after the Bond family's pet,[2] as well as the animated BBC television series The Herbs (1968).[13] Bond also wrote culinary mystery stories for adults, featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse and his faithful bloodhound Pommes Frites.[3]

Bond wrote Reflection on the Passing of the Years shortly after his 90th birthday. The piece was read by Sir David Attenborough, who also turned 90 in 2016, at the national service of thanksgiving to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday at St Paul's Cathedral in June 2016.[14]

On 20 June 2016 StudioCanal acquired the Paddington franchise outright. Bond was allowed to keep the publishing rights to his series,[15] which he licensed in April 2017 to HarperCollins for the next six years.[16]

Television writing

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Bond wrote two short films for the BBC: Simon's Good Deed, which was shown on 11 October 1955,[17] and Napoleon's Day Out, shown on 9 April 1957.[18] He also wrote one episode of the series The World Our Stage, an adaptation of the short story "The Decoration" by Guy de Maupassant, which aired on 4 January 1958.[19]

His best known television work is as the creator and writer of the children's television series The Herbs and The Adventures of Parsley, again for the BBC.[13][20]

Honours

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Bond was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), for services to children's literature, in the 1997 Birthday Honours[21][22] and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2015 Birthday Honours.[23][24] On 6 July 2007 the University of Reading awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Letters.[25]

On 10 January 2018 GWR named one of their Class 800 trains "Michael Bond / Paddington Bear".[26]

Personal life and death

[edit]
Statue of Paddington Bear in Paddington Station following Michael Bond's death.

Bond was married twice: to Brenda Mary Johnson in 1950, from whom he separated in the 1970s before divorcing in 1981; and to Susan Marfrey Rogers in 1981.[27] He had two children.[28] He lived in Little Venice, London, not far from Paddington Station, the place that inspired many of his books.[9][28][27]

Bond died at home on 27 June 2017, at the age of 91, following a brief, undisclosed illness.[27] The film Paddington 2 (2017) was dedicated to his memory.[1] In accordance with his wishes, he is buried in Paddington Old Cemetery.[27] The epitaph on his gravestone reads "Please look after this bear. Thank you."

In 2022, on the ITV programme DNA Journeys, it was discovered that Bond is a relative of the television presenter Kate Garraway.[29]

Bibliography

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Television

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michael Bond

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Thomas Michael Bond CBE (13 January 1926 – 27 June 2017) was an English author best known for creating the Paddington Bear series of children's books, which has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 40 languages. Born in Newbury, Berkshire, Bond drew inspiration for his writing from a childhood surrounded by books and a lifelong fascination with storytelling. Over his career, he authored approximately 150 books for both children and adults, including series like The Herbs, Olga da Polga, and the adult mystery novels featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse, establishing him as one of the most prolific and beloved figures in British children's literature. Bond's early life was marked by the challenges of World War II; after leaving school at age 14, he worked briefly in a solicitor's office before enlisting in the British Army, serving with the Royal Air Force and the Middlesex Regiment in the Middle East and Europe. Post-war, he joined the BBC's monitoring service in Caversham in 1947, transitioning to television cameraman roles in London by 1950, where he contributed to programs like Blue Peter. His writing career began in earnest in 1945 when he sold his first short story to London Opinion, but it was during his BBC tenure that he penned the manuscript for A Bear Called Paddington in 1956, inspired by a lone toy bear he spotted on a shelf at Paddington Station on Christmas Eve 1956. In 1965, Bond left the to write full-time, allowing him to expand the series and explore other genres, including his 1978 autobiography Bears and Forebears, which reflected on his creative journey. His contributions to were recognized with an OBE in 1997 and a CBE in 2015, both for services to , as well as an honorary from the in 2007. Bond lived much of his life near Station in with his wife Susan, passing away at age 91 after a short illness.

Early Life

Early childhood

Michael Bond was born Thomas Michael Bond on 13 January 1926 in , , the only child of Norman Robert Bond and Frances Mary Bond. His family relocated to Reading shortly after his birth, when he was about six weeks old, due to his father's transfer. There, his father worked as a civil servant for the , providing a stable household, while his mother maintained a warm and nurturing home environment, emphasizing the value of books and education by enrolling him in Presentation College, a local in Reading known for its distinctive purple blazer. As an , Bond enjoyed close relationships with his , including his grandfather who lived nearby and encouraged his persistence, and his aunt, known as Auntie Em, who played a supportive role in family life. Bond's upbringing in Reading during the interwar period was idyllic, marked by playful family outings such as visits to the local park with his father, who famously kept his hat on even while swimming in the sea—a quirk that later echoed in his writing. His mother's voracious reading habits fostered an early love for stories, with Bond immersing himself in adventure books by authors like , whose series captured the mischievous spirit of childhood. These literary influences, combined with explorations of the surrounding countryside, sparked his fascination with animals and the natural world, shaping his imaginative worldview. From a young age, Bond showed a keen interest in , often scribbling his own short tales inspired by everyday observations and family anecdotes. This creative impulse was nurtured in the secure, close-knit atmosphere of his home, where simple joys like bucket-and-spade holidays to the Isle of Wight reinforced his sense of wonder and narrative flair.

World War II Service and Early Influences

During his adolescence in Reading, Michael Bond experienced the disruptions of firsthand, including the Blitz's air raids on the area. In February 1943, at age 17, he narrowly survived a German bombing at a transmitter site in Reading known as the People's Pantry, where he was assisting engineers in installing a radio transmitter; the attack killed dozens but left Bond unharmed. He frequently witnessed the arrival of evacuated children from at Reading station, many wearing labels with their names and addresses around their necks and carrying small suitcases, scenes that left a lasting impression on him. In 1943, Bond volunteered for the Royal Air Force at age 17, initially training for aircrew duties, but chronic airsickness led to his transfer to the British Army's , where he served in non-combat roles. Stationed in , , for about 18 months, he contributed to signals and administrative work until his in 1947. During this period, Bond developed an interest in photography, building on his pre-war experiences assisting engineers, and began writing short stories, selling his first to the magazine London Opinion in 1945 for seven guineas. Following , Bond returned to civilian life in , taking up a position in the BBC's monitoring service at Caversham, near Reading, before advancing to television camerawork by 1950, where his skills proved valuable in roles such as operating equipment for early broadcasts. He supplemented his income with freelance camerawork and pursued writing, though initial post-war jobs also included clerical roles echoing his pre-service experience as an office boy in a solicitor's firm. These early endeavors in and laid the groundwork for his later professional path. Bond's wartime experiences profoundly shaped the themes of displacement and resilience in his writing, particularly the sense of and seen in characters like , directly inspired by the labeled evacuee children he observed during the war. He later reflected that these sights of "the saddest sight" among refugees and migrants influenced his portrayal of outsiders finding in new homes, a motif rooted in the post-war era's global upheavals.

Literary Career

Creation of Paddington Bear

Michael Bond's inspiration for Paddington Bear originated on 1956, when he spotted a small, lonely toy bear on a shelf at department store in while shopping for a gift for his wife, Brenda. The sight of the abandoned bear prompted him to purchase it on a whim, and this encounter ignited the concept of a young bear immigrant from "darkest " arriving in Britain with little more than a battered , a label around his neck reading "Please look after this bear. Thank you," and a jar of . Bond named his creation Paddington after the nearby Paddington Station, envisioning the bear as a navigating life in an unfamiliar land. Drawing from stories of child evacuees and , including the , and his own observations of life—honed during his time as a BBC cameraman—Bond crafted Paddington as a symbol of resilience and cultural adjustment. The character's Peruvian origins were influenced by Bond's interest in exotic locales, adding a layer of otherness to the bear's polite yet clumsy demeanor. The first book in the series, A Bear Called Paddington, was published in by Collins, featuring black-and-white illustrations by Peggy Fortnum that captured the 's endearing, slightly disheveled appearance. In the narrative, is found at the station by the Brown family, who offer him a home despite initial surprise, highlighting core themes of as a journey of displacement and belonging, family acceptance through kindness and adaptation, and British politeness manifested in Paddington's love for , , and proper amid his well-intentioned mishaps. These elements resonated with readers, portraying an immigrant's integration into middle-class British society without overt didacticism. Over the ensuing decades, Bond expanded the series to more than 20 novels, chronicling 's domestic adventures, travels, and scrapes with , while maintaining the character's optimistic spirit and subtle . The series culminated in Love from Paddington (2014), a poignant collection of letters from Paddington to his Aunt Lucy in , reflecting on his life in and underscoring enduring themes of and . By 2017, the books had sold over 35 million copies worldwide, translated into 40 languages, and spawned a vast array of merchandise, including toys, with more than 27 million units sold since 2021, cementing Paddington's status as a global .

Other Children's Series

In addition to his renowned work with Paddington Bear, Michael Bond created the Olga da Polga series, a collection of children's chapter books and picture books centered on a lively guinea pig protagonist. The series began with The Tales of Olga da Polga in 1971 and continued through titles such as Olga Meets Her Match (1973), Olga Carries On (1976), Olga Takes Charge (1982), Olga Moves House (1986), and Olga Follows Her Nose (1988), culminating in later volumes like Olga Counts Her Blessings (2009), comprising over a dozen books in total. Illustrated by Hans Helweg, the stories feature Olga as a nosy, mischievous, and boastful guinea pig whose adventures emphasize themes of storytelling, friendship, and everyday escapades in a suburban garden setting, with each chapter designed as a standalone tale to encourage young readers' confidence. Bond also penned the Herbs series, a line of books inspired by his 1968 BBC children's television creation , which anthropomorphized plants and animals in a whimsical walled garden. Key titles include Parsley's Good Deed (1969), Parsley's Tail (1969), Parsley's Last Stand (1970), Parsley's Problem Present (1970), and and the Herbs (1971), published initially by and Ward Lock, with later editions by . These stories revolve around characters like the laid-back lion , the excitable dog Dill the Hedgehog, and herbal figures such as Sir Basil Gatepost, blending humor and gentle mischief to explore community and curiosity among the garden inhabitants. Among Bond's standalone children's books, The Day the Animals Went on Strike (1972), illustrated by Jim Hodgson, stands out as a humorous picture book where zoo animals collectively ignore visitors in protest against tiresome jokes, imparting moral lessons on empathy and respect through its lighthearted narrative. Similarly, Parsley's Tail (1969) from the Herbs lineup highlights themes of mischief and resolution, as the lion protagonist navigates a comical predicament with his garden friends. Over time, Bond's writing style in these works evolved from the grounded, observational realism of his earlier animal tales toward more fantastical elements, incorporating magical realism and ensemble casts to foster imagination and ethical insights in young audiences.

Adult Mystery Novels

Michael Bond's foray into adult fiction is best exemplified by the Monsieur Pamplemousse series, a collection of 18 humorous mystery novels spanning from 1983 to 2015. The protagonist, Aristide Pamplemousse, is a retired from the nationale who now serves as a restaurant inspector for the fictional Le Guide, a Michelin-like . Accompanied by his loyal Pommes Frites, whose uncanny ability to detect quality often aids investigations, Pamplemousse stumbles into cases involving culinary intrigue, corporate , and social across various French locales. The series masterfully intertwines gastronomic detail with light-hearted detection, emphasizing wit over violence and poking fun at bureaucratic absurdities and gourmet pretensions. The inspiration for the series stemmed from Bond's frequent travels throughout and his deep appreciation for its and wines. During a family holiday, Bond observed a ceremonial presentation of a at a , which sparked the plot for the when he whimsically envisioned the server's tray bearing a human head instead. He patterned Pamplemousse after the iconic French actor , known for his roles in Marcel Pagnol's films, capturing the character's gruff yet endearing demeanor. To ground the stories in authenticity, Bond conducted on-site research, such as spending a week in on 's west coast to inform settings in books like Monsieur Pamplemousse Stands Firm. Published primarily by Allison & Busby in the , the series reflects Bond's fondness for 's diverse regions and culinary traditions, with Pommes Frites embodying a gourmet's discerning palate. In addition to the Monsieur Pamplemousse novels, Bond authored other works for adult audiences that showcased a lighter, more reflective tone distinct from the adventurous whimsy of his . The Pleasures of (1987), a gastronomic guide, explores the city's restaurants—from grand establishments to modest eateries—offering historical context, neighborhood insights, and practical recommendations drawn from Bond's personal experiences. This book underscores his expertise in French dining culture, serving as a precursor to the food-centric mysteries that followed. Critically, the Monsieur Pamplemousse series was lauded for its abundant charm, incisive character portraits, and gentle comedic mysteries, providing an antidote to grittier with its focus on improbable escapades and culinary diversions. Reviewers highlighted the engaging partnership between Pamplemousse and Pommes Frites, as well as Bond's skillful of French high society and the world. While the books cultivated a dedicated following among fans of cozy mysteries, they garnered less commercial acclaim than Bond's iconic series, remaining a niche delight rather than mainstream blockbusters. The final installment, Monsieur Pamplemousse and the Tangled Web, appeared in 2015, capping a three-decade run of culinary capers.

Television and Broadcasting Work

BBC Career as Cameraman

Michael Bond returned to the in 1947 following his military service, initially joining the monitoring service at to track foreign broadcasts. In 1950, he transitioned into television as a junior , working in the nascent medium's live production environment at studios like Lime Grove. Over the subsequent 15 years, Bond advanced to senior cameraman, handling a range of assignments that showcased the technical demands of early broadcasting. He contributed to flagship children's programming, including the inaugural episodes of in 1958, as well as the astronomy series . Additional work encompassed police drama and the probing interview show Face to Face, where he captured unscripted moments in real time. These experiences sharpened Bond's ability to observe closely and craft concise narratives under pressure, skills that directly informed his approach to character creation in his writing. Throughout his tenure, he pursued part-time writing, submitting short stories and plays to magazines, which paved the way for his early publications. The growing success of his series allowed him to retire from full-time camerawork in 1965, enabling a dedicated focus on authorship.

Writing for Children's Television

Michael Bond's contributions to children's television primarily centered on original scripted series that brought whimsical, nature-inspired narratives to young audiences through stop-motion animation. His most notable work in this area was , a 1968 BBC series he created and scripted, featuring anthropomorphic plant characters inhabiting a magical walled . The show consisted of 13 episodes, each approximately 15 minutes long, and aired from February to May 1968 as part of the BBC's strand. Bond collaborated closely with animator and director , whose stop-motion techniques—previously honed on —brought the herb characters to life with a charming, handmade aesthetic. Key figures included Sir Basil and Lady Rosemary as the garden's regal inhabitants, the loyal lion as gatekeeper, and quirky supporting characters like the mischievous Dill and the villainous Belladonna, drawing on 17th-century and herbalist traditions for inspiration. The series emphasized themes of , , and , portraying the garden as a self-contained world where everyday mishaps fostered gentle moral lessons suitable for preschool viewers. Building on its popularity, Bond extended the universe with the spin-off in 1970, scripting 32 episodes that focused on the lion's protective role and further adventures among the garden residents. This sequel maintained the original's blend of humor and environmental wonder, reinforcing bonds among the characters through collaborative problem-solving. The success of these series also inspired tie-in books, such as the collection, which adapted episodes into print for young readers. Bond also wrote scripts for the BBC's animated series, which aired from 1976 to 1980 and was narrated by . In addition to his scripted series, Bond's literary works contributed to children's programming through readings on , where stories like those featuring were narrated to audiences starting in 1966, helping to popularize his characters on screen. Following his departure from the BBC in 1965 after nearly two decades as a cameraman, Bond transitioned to full-time freelance writing, yet maintained a parallel involvement in television scripting into the , balancing book projects with occasional contributions to animated adaptations of his creations.

Adaptations and Cultural Impact

Film and Stage Adaptations

The franchise has seen significant success in live-action film adaptations, beginning with the 2014 release of , directed by Paul King and produced by , which introduced the character to a new generation through a blend of live-action and CGI animation. Michael Bond made a in the film as a kindly gentleman at a , marking a personal connection to the adaptation of his creation. The film received positive reception for its heartfelt storytelling and visual charm, grossing over $268 million worldwide and establishing a benchmark for family-friendly adaptations. The sequel, (2017), also directed by King, continued the adventures with the bear wrongfully imprisoned and embarking on an escape, earning widespread acclaim for its humor, emotional depth, and Hugh Grant's villainous performance as Knuckles McGinty. Released shortly after Bond's death in June 2017, the film features a prominent dedication to him in the credits, serving as a poignant tribute to the author. It outperformed its predecessor commercially, earning $226 million globally and holding a 99% approval rating on for its joyful tone and fidelity to the source material's spirit. The third installment, (2024), directed by , follows the bear's return to his Peruvian homeland to find Aunt Lucy, incorporating adventure elements with a star-studded cast including and . The film premiered internationally in late 2024 before its U.S. theatrical release on February 14, 2025, where it achieved solid results, grossing $45.8 million domestically amid praise for its vibrant and themes of , though some critics noted it as slightly less innovative than prior entries. Animated television adaptations of Paddington Bear began with the British series Paddington (1976–1980), produced by for the , featuring 120 short episodes that faithfully captured the bear's mishaps in through simple 2D animation narrated by . The series was well-received for its gentle humor and educational value, running for three seasons and influencing subsequent generations of children's programming. A later cel-animated adaptation, (1989–1990), co-produced by for American and British audiences, aired 13 episodes emphasizing the character's daily life with the Brown family, earning praise for its tactile animation style despite a shorter run. In 2023, a musical adaptation of was announced, drawing from Bond's books and the film series, with music and lyrics by of and book by , directed by Luke Sheppard. The production premiered at 's on November 1, 2025, featuring an innovative dual-actor portrayal of Paddington—one for physical movement in and another for voice—alongside elaborate sets evoking landmarks. Early reception highlighted its whimsical energy and family appeal, with sold-out previews and positive reviews for blending with fresh theatrical elements. Other adaptations include the 2022 live-action series Olga da Polga, the first television version of Bond's 1971 guinea pig character, produced by Maramedia with a mix of real animals and animation across 13 episodes exploring her tall tales and garden adventures. The series, featuring the voice of Lesley Harcourt as Olga da Polga, was commended for its charm and fidelity to the books, leading to a second season in 2023. International stage productions of 's stories have appeared in various forms, such as immersive experiences and localized plays in countries like the and , adapting the bear's escapades for theater audiences worldwide.

Legacy and Tributes

Michael Bond's creation of has left a profound mark on British children's literature, establishing the character as an enduring symbol of kindness, resilience, and cultural integration. , an immigrant bear from "darkest " who arrives alone in , embodies themes of hospitality and open-mindedness, drawing from Bond's own wartime experiences with evacuee children during . This narrative has resonated as a metaphor for experiences and the welcoming of outsiders, influencing generations of young readers to value and politeness in diverse societies. Following Bond's death in 2017, numerous tributes honored his legacy. The film , released later that year, was dedicated to Bond, with its cast expressing determination to honor him through the project's success, especially poignant as production wrapped on the day he passed. In 2018, Great Western Railway named one of its new Trains "Michael Bond / ," unveiled at Station—where the character first "arrived"—complete with illustrations by original artist Peggy Fortnum, symbolizing Bond's connection to the railway theme in his stories. In 2022, DNA testing on ITV's DNA Journey revealed that television presenter Kate Garraway is a distant relative of Bond through shared ancestry, a discovery that highlighted his familial ties and surprised Garraway during her exploration of her heritage. The Paddington series maintains strong ongoing popularity, with over 35 million books sold worldwide and translations into more than 40 languages, bolstered by the success of recent film adaptations that have introduced the character to new audiences. Additionally, Paddington's stories are widely used in educational settings, with teaching resources and lesson plans integrated into primary school curricula to promote literacy, vocabulary development, and discussions on themes like kindness and cultural adaptation.

Honours

Literary Awards

Michael Bond was recognized for his significant contributions to , particularly through the enduring popularity of the series, which has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide. Bond received further recognition in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours, when he was promoted to Commander of the (CBE) for his ongoing services to literature. The award highlighted the timeless appeal of as a character promoting kindness and resilience, especially resonant amid the success of film adaptations during that period. In 2007, conferred upon Bond an honorary (DLitt) degree, honoring his lifelong dedication to children's and his roots in area where he grew up. This academic distinction celebrated the literary merit of his works, which have influenced generations of young readers. Bond's series also garnered nominations in prominent children's book awards, including a shortlisting for the Funny Prize in 2008 for Paddington Here and Now, underscoring the whimsical and engaging quality of his narratives.

Official Recognitions

Michael Bond received formal recognition from the British government for his contributions to children's literature. In the 1997 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Bond's contributions were further honored in 2015 when he was promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. The promotion highlighted the continued relevance of his writing, coinciding with the success of the Paddington film adaptation.

Personal Life

Family and Residences

Michael Bond married Brenda Johnson on June 29, 1950. The couple had a daughter, Karen, born in 1958. Bond also had a son, Anthony Barwell, from a subsequent relationship. They divorced in 1981 after 31 years of marriage, maintaining an amicable relationship and shared custody of their daughter. In 1981, the same year his divorce was finalized, Bond married Susan Marfrey Rogers, a former employee at his literary agency. The couple had no children together. They remained married until Bond's death in 2017. Early in his career, Bond and his first wife lived in a one-room flat in , . The family later moved to a suburban home in , , in the 1970s. After his second marriage, Bond relocated with Susan to a flat in the , , before settling in , a neighborhood near Station that partly inspired his series. Bond's daughter Karen occasionally collaborated with him on Paddington projects, including co-authoring stories such as 's Easter Egg Hunt based on an unpublished manuscript they wrote together in 1995. She also managed aspects of the business following his passing.

Illness and Death

In his later years, Michael Bond continued writing, completing his final book, Paddington's Finest Hour, which was published posthumously in October 2017. However, he passed away at his home in on 27 June 2017, at the age of 91, following a short illness. The exact nature of the illness was not publicly disclosed by his family or publisher. Bond's funeral was a private family service, after which he was buried in Paddington Old Cemetery in , in accordance with his wishes. The site, near his longtime home in , became a place of informal tributes from fans, often adorned with Paddington-themed memorabilia such as small bear figurines and marmalade jars. A public memorial service was held on 14 November 2017 at in London, attended by family, friends, authors, and actors including , who voiced Mr. Brown in the Paddington films. Publishers issued statements praising Bond as a "true " and "one of the greats of ," highlighting his enduring legacy. Following his death, Bond's gross estate was valued at approximately £9.2 million, with a net value before of about £6.8 million, placed in trust primarily for his widow , children Karen Jankel and Anthony Barwell, and four grandchildren, with provisions also benefiting his first wife . The copyrights to and his other works are managed by his in partnership with literary agency The Agency (London) Ltd., which oversees licensing and adaptations to preserve the character's cultural significance. This arrangement has supported ongoing projects, including the 2017 film , dedicated to Bond's memory.

Bibliography

Paddington Bear Series

The Paddington Bear series comprises a collection of children's novels and stories written by Michael Bond, primarily published by Collins (later ) in the . The main series features episodic adventures of the titular bear, with the first book released in and the core chapter titles extending through 2014, totaling 13 main chapter books that form the foundational narrative arc, plus numerous picture books and collections. These books were illustrated initially by Peggy Fortnum and later by other artists such as R.W. Alley for certain editions. The following table lists the main chapter books in chronological order of publication, including key editions:
TitlePublication YearPublisherNotes
A Bear Called Paddington1958CollinsFirst book in the series; illustrated by Peggy Fortnum.
More About Paddington1959CollinsSecond installment; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington Helps Out1960CollinsThird book; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington Abroad1961CollinsFourth book; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington at Large1962CollinsFifth book; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington Marches On1964CollinsSixth book; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington at Work1966CollinsSeventh book; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington Goes to Town1968CollinsEighth book; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington Takes the Air1970CollinsNinth book; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington on Top1973CollinsTenth book; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington Takes the Test1979CollinsEleventh book; Fortnum illustrations.
Paddington Here and Now2008Twelfth book; R.W. Alley illustrations.
Love from Paddington2014Thirteenth book; collection of letters; Alley illustrations.
Companion volumes include the omnibus Paddington Compleat (1997, HarperCollins), which collects the first six novels in a single edition. Paddington annuals, featuring short stories, games, and illustrations, were published annually by Collins from 1972 to 1988, providing seasonal expansions to the series. Posthumous collections, assembled after Bond's death in 2017, include Paddington Treasury (2018, ), a curated of stories, quotes, and illustrations from the series. Other posthumous releases, such as Paddington's Finest Hour (2017, ) and Paddington at St. Paul's (2018, ), draw from Bond's unfinished works or notes.

Olga da Polga and Other Children's Books

Michael Bond introduced Olga da Polga, a mischievous renowned for her imaginative tall tales and escapades in the garden of the Sawdust , in a beloved series of children's chapter books spanning from 1971 to 2002. Comprising 13 titles, the series was initially illustrated by Danish Hans Helweg, whose whimsical drawings captured Olga's adventurous spirit. Key entries include The Tales of Olga da Polga (1971), which establishes Olga's arrival and her flair for storytelling; Olga Meets Her Match (1973), where she encounters a clever ; Olga Carries On (1976), detailing her resilience during changes; Olga Takes Charge (1982), showcasing her leadership among animal friends; and later volumes like Olga Moves House (2001) and Olga Follows Her Nose (2002), which explore new environments and curiosities. Collections such as The First Big Olga da Polga Book (1983), The Second Big Olga da Polga Book (1983), and The Complete Adventures of Olga da Polga (1987) compiled earlier stories for broader accessibility. In addition to the chapter books, Bond authored five picture books in the Olga da Polga series between 2001 and 2006, reimagining select adventures with fresh illustrations by Catherine Rayner to appeal to younger readers through vibrant, expressive artwork. These include refreshed takes on Olga Meets Her Match (2002), Olga Carries On (2003), Olga Takes Charge (2004), Olga Moves House (2005), and Olga Follows Her Nose (2006), emphasizing visual and Olga's humorous exaggerations. Bond's The Herbs series, inspired by his work on the related children's television program, features anthropomorphic plant characters like the lion and Sir Basil the lion in a whimsical setting, with more than 10 titles published from 1968 through the 1970s. Illustrated in a style suited to the era's charm, the books blend gentle humor and moral lessons through short stories. Notable examples are Parsley's Good Deed (1969), where the lion helps a friend; Parsley's Tail (1969), involving a comical mishap; 's Last Stand (1970), defending the ; Parsley's Problem Present (1970), navigating a gift gone wrong; Parsley and (1971), gathering the ensemble for adventures; Parsley the Lion (1972); and Parsley Parade (1972). The series ties briefly to the adaptation, enhancing its cultural footprint among young audiences. Among Bond's standalone children's books, The Day the Animals Went on Strike (1972) stands out as a humorous picture book where zoo animals protest their treatment, illustrated by Jim Hodgson with lively depictions of rebellion and resolution. Another juvenile title, J. D. Polson and the Dillogate Affair (1981), follows a young detective solving a neighborhood mystery in a Paddington-esque vein but with original characters, featuring illustrations by Roger Wade Walker that add playful energy to the narrative. These works highlight Bond's versatility in crafting engaging, lighthearted stories for children beyond his major series.

Monsieur Pamplemousse Series and Adult Works

In addition to his renowned children's literature, Michael Bond authored a series of adult mystery novels centered on culinary themes, marking a significant departure into humorous detective fiction. The Monsieur Pamplemousse series, comprising 18 books published from 1983 to 2015, follows Aristide Pamplemousse, a retired French police detective turned restaurant critic for the fictional Le Guide, and his loyal bloodhound, Pommes Frites. These works blend gastronomic detail with lighthearted crime-solving, often involving absurd mishaps in high-end dining settings across France and beyond. The inaugural novel, Monsieur Pamplemousse (1983), introduces the protagonist evaluating subpar hotel cuisine while uncovering a plot, setting the tone for the series' witty interplay of food and intrigue. Subsequent entries include Monsieur Pamplemousse on the Spot (1986), where Pamplemousse navigates a scandal, and Monsieur Pamplemousse Aloft (1989), involving aerial escapades tied to a airline service. Later volumes, such as Monsieur Pamplemousse on Probation (2000) and Monsieur Pamplemousse and the Carbon Footprint (2010), explore contemporary issues like workplace discipline and environmental concerns through the lens of epicurean mysteries. The series was primarily published in the by and in the United States by Scribner, with later editions handled by Allison & Busby. Beyond the series, Bond ventured into adult non-fiction with The Pleasures of Paris (1987), a guidebook offering personal insights into the city's restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to modest bistros, enriched by historical and cultural anecdotes. Published by Pavilion Books, it reflects Bond's affinity for , a recurring motif in his adult output.

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