Based in Cambridgeshire, England, Oldenbears began when Edy Reilly found herself in a dusty old antique warehouse in Suffolk where she spotted a very old, worn and forgotten teddy bear in a glass display cabinet with his blind, detached head sitting ghoulishly next to him. She knew she had to buy this bear and repair him. Everyone thought she was mad......until a few weeks later, when a fine, early U.S. 'Ideal' bear emerged, looking very pleased with himself. 

Having originally trained at the London College of Fashion in fashion design, Edy had worked in the clothing industry including a West End theatrical wardrobe background and running her own bridalwear business for 10 years.

As an accomplished needleworker with an extensive knowledge of vintage teddy bears, Edy will restore your old friend skilfully and professionally without obliterating his original character or past life, using an understanding of the construction and history of teddy bears and the correct materials for restoration in keeping with the bear's age and character with no unnecessary work, inappropriate materials or "over-restoration" carried out on any bear.

As well as restoring bears, Edy has her own range of custom made, vintage-look teddies.

There is quite a lot of info on this site - please enjoy!