Emma Watson and David Beckham give Paddington Bear makeover for London fan trail


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He started life in deepest darkest Peru, but Paddington Bear is set to hit the streets of London this month.

A series of statues designed by stars from Emma Watson to David Beckham will be placed around the capital in November to celebrate the launch of The Paddington Trail.

The bears, designed by Benedict Cumberbatch and star of the upcoming Paddington film, Nicole Kidman, will celebrate the film release of Paddington in UK cinemas on November 28. 

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Celebrities, designers and artists have designed Paddington bear statues, which will be placed at 50 different iconic locations along The Paddington Trail

Celebrities, designers and artists have designed Paddington bear statues, which will be placed at 50 different iconic locations along The Paddington Trail

Actress Emma Watson and ex-footballer David Beckham are both confirmed to be involved in the project
David Beckham will likewise show off his bear design skills.

Actress Emma Watson and ex-footballer David Beckham are both confirmed to be involved in the project

The colourful statues will take fans along  featuring London's key cultural and architectural must sees.

Nicole's co-stars in the film, Hugh Bonneville, Peter Capaldi, Julie Walters, and Ben Whishaw will also be involved in the project.

Explorer Bear Grylls, celebrated ballerina Darcey Bussell, Jonathan Ross, presenters Davina McCall, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, London mayor Boris Johnson, the Chelsea football team, and fashion designers Matthew Williamson, Christopher Kane and Rankin have all also committed to the project.

The tourism initiative is in celebrating of the Paddington film release, in cinemas on 28 November

The tourism initiative is in celebrating of the Paddington film release, in cinemas on 28 November

Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman will likewise show off their design talent
Oscar winner and Paddington film star Nicole Kidman will also take part.

Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman will likewise show off their design talent

Hugh Bonneville spoke about his involvement: 'Paddington is an explorer - this trail is a wonderful way of bringing this to life and I hope it makes people look at London with fresh eyes.

'I am delighted to have been asked to design one of the bears and have created an ode to Paddington's favourite preserve. I can't wait for people to see it.' 

The first of the designs have just been revealed: 'Paddington Bear' by creator Michael Bond, 'Paddington Shakesbear' by Michael Sheen, 'Paddington Sparkles' by The Saturdays' Frankie Bridge and 'Paddingtonscape' by artist, Hannah Warren.

'It is such a privilege to be designing a statue for The Paddington Trail, especially as it is raising money for the NSPCC – a charity I'm proud to support,' Michael Sheen said of his design, 'Paddington Shakesbear.' 

Pictured (L-R): 'Paddington Shakesbear' by Michael Sheen, 'Paddington Bear' by creator Michael Bond, 'Paddington Sparkles' by The Saturdays' Frankie Bridge, and 'Paddingtonscape' by artist Hannah Warren

Pictured (L-R): 'Paddington Shakesbear' by Michael Sheen, 'Paddington Bear' by creator Michael Bond, 'Paddington Sparkles' by The Saturdays' Frankie Bridge, and 'Paddingtonscape' by artist Hannah Warren

'I am delighted to have been able to create Shakesbear and combine my love of the bear with my passion for the bard!'

The trail will be set up beginning 4 November until the end of December.

It will encompass museums, parks, shops, and iconic landmarks, all of which are inspired by Paddington's adventures in his favourite city. 

An artist puts the final touches on Michael Bond's classic Paddington bear statue creation.
The Paddington Trail will celebrate the release of the Paddington film on 28 November.

An artist puts the final touches on Michael Bond's classic Paddington bear statue creation

Locations will be as far spread out as Heathrow to the west through to the O2 in the east, including The Royal Opera House, Museum of London, Horse Guards Parade, the Museum of Childhood, and of course, Paddington Station.

The trail will end in Selfridges, where a selection of miniature statues and a dedicated Paddington concept store will be on offer to shoppers.

The Selfridges Paddington Curiousity Shop will raise funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the statues themselves will likewise be auctioned off later in the year to raise money for a variety of charities.

The cast of Paddington is keen to be involved in the initiative, which supports the NSPCC charity

The cast of Paddington is keen to be involved in the initiative, which supports the NSPCC charity

Actor Hugh Bonneville says his creation is 'an ode to Paddington's favourite preserve'

Actor Hugh Bonneville says his creation is 'an ode to Paddington's favourite preserve'

Paddington's origins date back several decades to when his creator, Michael Bond, bought a small bear from Selfridges on Christmas Eve 1956, as a present to his wife, and named him after the nearest railway station to which they lived.

In Michael Bond's subsequent tales, the bear finds himself alone in the big, unfamiliar city before being taken in by the Brown family. It's only then that he sets out to fully explore his newly adopted town.

Tourists and locals alike can get more information at VisitLondon.com, which has launched a dedicated portion of their website to the trail. Visitors will be able to download the trail map, share their photos of London's landmarks and discover the stories behind each statue and location. 



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