Sourche: BBC News Surrey (July 2026)
A remarkable collection of original and previously unseen Rupert artwork has been preserved in a private home in Milford, Surrey. The collection belonged to Alfred Bestall, who took over the illustration of Rupert from creator Mary Tourtel in 1935 and went on to illustrate the character's adventures for the Daily Express for around 30 years.
Caroline G. Bott at the 2021 AGM
Bestall's goddaughter, Caroline G. Bott, has preserved a remarkable archive containing original drawings, sketches, letters and diaries. Some of the artwork was discovered among brown paper parcels that had been stored in the loft of Bestall's former home in Snowdonia.
According to Bott, Bestall was never entirely comfortable with the fame that came with Rupert. Producing the illustrations under the demands of the Daily Express also placed considerable pressure on him. Yet she believes Rupert became a part of Bestall himself, with his main aim being to bring joy to children through the bear's magical adventures.
The collection also reveals an interesting connection with Paul McCartney, who visited Bestall and admired him as a fellow artist. McCartney would later write We All Stand Together, better known as the Frog Chorus, for the animated film Rupert and the Frog Song.
The BBC was given access to Bott's home and this fascinating private collection, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of Britain's most beloved children's characters and the artist who helped define Rupert for generations.
Read the full story on BBC News:
Unseen collection of Rupert the Bear's adventures – BBC News
