The Cherished Teddies Collection is based on the illustrations of artist and children's book author Priscilla Hillman.  This collection was first introduced to retailers in the Fall of 1991 with the first figurines appeared in retail stores nationwide in the Spring of 1992.  Each Teddy Bear figurine is sculpted in cold cast resin and comes with a name, a message of affection and friendship, and a Certificate of Adoption so that collectors can officially adopt the Teddy Bears.  These adorable Teddie Bears quickly became one of the most beloved collectibles in the world.     

 Priscilla Hillman grew up in New England with her parents, twin sister Greta, and brother Rick.  Much of her inspiration came from her childhood memories.  Her love for art came at an early age.  Priscilla and her sister would spend hours sitting at the kitchen table drawing and painting.

Priscilla Hillman attended the University of Rhode Island, majoring in Botany with a focus on Marine biology.   After graduation, she joined the U.S. Oceanographic Service where she worked as a marine biologist.  She soon returned to her love of art  and became a successful illustrator of children's books.  The "Merry Mouse" children's books were among her earlier works.

The concept of the Cherished Teddies Collection began to formulate in the 1980's.  Using the inspiration of her childhood, Priscilla began sketching her visions of Teddy Bears.  She submitted her sketches to the Enesco Corporation in 1992.  The Cherrished Teddies collection soon became one of the world's most popular Teddy Bear collectibles.

Many of the Cherished Teddies figurines were inspired by friends, family and people
Priscilla Hillman met through her work.  The fisherman figurine called Norm was inspired by her husband Norman.  She also  designed a figurine named Glenn, named for her son.  

The Cherished Teddies Collections come in many different themes.  The holiday themes include: Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  There is a Nativity collection that include bears as the main characters and other animals such as a camel, cow, donkey, and lamb. 

The "Once Upon a Teddy" collection includes bears posing as popular nursery rhyme characters.  Some of these include:  Tom, Tom, The Piper's Son (pictured), Mary Mary Quite Contrary, Little Bo Peep, Little Jack Horner, and Jack and Jill.  This popular collection was introduced in 1994.

Another popular Cherished Teddies Collection is the "Our Cherished Family" collection introduced in 1994.  This collection includes: Child of Pride, Child of Hope, Child of Kindness, Child of Love, Mother, Father, and a display house. 

The "Through the Years" collection shows birthday bears representing different child's ages.  This collection was introduced in 1993.




The Cherished Teddies collectors have so many different series to choose from.  One of my personal favorites is the  "Over the Seas" series.   Pictured here is Nadia "From Russia with Love".  This series also includes figurines from Scotland, Mexico, Italy, Canada, and Spain.

The Cherished Teddies Collection has won numerous awards and has gained worldwide recognition.  They are one of the most popular  Teddy Bear collectibles in the world.