Today, 13 January 2026, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Michael Bond, one of the most beloved authors of our time. While he is most famous for a certain bear from Darkest Peru – Paddington, Bond’s legacy spans a lifetime of creativity that continues to capture the hearts of millions.
The remarkable life of Michael Bond
Born in Newbury Berkshire on 13 January 1926, and raised in Reading, Michael Bond was a voracious reader from a young age. Despite leaving school at fourteen, he always harboured an ambition to be a writer. His journey took him through World War II, where he served in both the RAF and the British Army. It was while stationed in Cairo that he made his first professional sale – a short story to London Opinion for seven guineas.
After the war, Michael joined the BBC, working as a cameraman on iconic shows like Dixon of Dock Green and Blue Peter. It was during this time, on Christmas Eve 1956, that a small, solitary toy bear on a shelf in Selfridges changed his life forever. Bought as a gift for his wife, that bear became the inspiration for A Bear Called Paddington, published by William Collins on 13 October 1958.
By 1966, Bond’s success allowed him to become a full-time writer. He went on to create a rich universe of characters, including the adventurous guinea pig Olga da Polga, the culinary detective Monsieur Pamplemousse, and the whimsical world of The Herbs.
Michael Bond died on 27 June 2017, aged 91.
Paddington The Musical in London. Photo by Johan Persson
A centenary celebration: From benches to the West End
To mark the milestone of Michael Bond’s centenary, HarperCollins Children’s Books, in partnership with the Michael Bond Estate, new West End show Paddington The Musical, and STUDIOCANAL – the makers of the Paddington movies, has launched a year-long campaign centred on “Reading for Pleasure”.
Celebrations include:
- Family-focused activities will take place from Michael’s birthday through World Book Day and Easter, and on to Paddington’s birthday in June. Throughout the year, Reading for Pleasure will be at the heart of the campaign, with children being invited to enjoy the wonderful world of Bond’s creations through story extracts and activities while seated on the Paddington benches up and down the country.
- Paddington The Musical: Currently playing to packed houses and rave reviews at the Savoy Theatre in London, this smash-hit production brings the bear to life with state-of-the-art animatronics and music by Tom Fletcher. The West End show stands as a vibrant testament to Bond’s timeless message of kindness.
- Archived Treasures: Waterstones Piccadilly is hosting a curated showcase of Bond’s life, featuring original illustrations, personal letters, and previously unseen photographs.
- New Stories: A commemorative new book, Happy Birthday, Paddington, has been released to delight a new generation of fans.
- Hay Festival 2026: A flagship centenary event will take place at the prestigious literary festival this May 2026, featuring very special guests to honour the author’s impact on literature.
A living legacy
Michael Bond was awarded an OBE in 1997 and a CBE in 2015 before passing away in June 2017. Today, his daughter, Karen Jankel, continues to champion his work.
“Paddington has become such an institution that, even to this day, I still can’t quite believe that he wouldn’t exist but for my father,” says Karen. “Although he may no longer be here in person, my father lives on through the characters he created. I’m both delighted and enormously proud to be celebrating his centenary.” – Karen Jankel
As Cally Poplak of HarperCollins notes, “The love for Michael Bond’s delightful stories is stronger than ever.” Whether through a book, a bench, or a West End stage, the world continues to “look after this bear.”
Paddington The Musical is now playing at the West End’s Savoy Theatre in London, booking to 14 February 2027.
Book Paddington The Musical tickets here
Savoy Theatre, London
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