O.k, well the cute furry things that are the Charlie Bears are really Karen's domain. My contribution to the collectable things in this house is my ever growing collection of Bad Taste Bears.
Yes I have got addicted but they are in such bad taste they are so funny so how could I not invest in a few pieces.........well rather a lot of pieces actually! - Oh did I mention I am a member of the club too and like to get all the limited editions.........yeah yeah o.k I know pretty sad!!!!!!!!!!!!
I started collecting them in September 2003 and must admit I am amazed at how many I have accumulated ....... (not really I knew I would want them all....). Gus was the one that started it though, that bear is so funny. I know I will of course keep adding to the collection as new bears come out.......
My display cases and some of the bears, space is getting to be an issue now! My 16" Willy is at the top in the middle here and I also have the 16" Marilyn which is in our lounge and is superb!
Trying some new display cases for some of the specials like the Superbears and Studio Mel and of course the Christmas Willy and Rudolph.
I have always liked the prints too, I originally said I wouldn't get them all, but...............yep I got them too!!!
Some of the prints on display, I rotate them round and have a big file with the rest in to keep them safe and flat.
Some more prints including the rare sketch Karen had done for me - "meaty balls" - better picture later on of this one.
With being a member of the club that enables me to purchase special limited editions, all numbered, as well as being able to get the bears at a discount price too.
Some of the Collectors Club Pieces
At our first signing event at the Trafford Centre we stood for hours and eventually met Peter Underhill - the guy who designs the bears. I got a couple of bears signed, Moe and Scratch and Sniff and purchased the Fawkes limited edition bear which I also got signed. I have also found myself liking the artwork too and a few pieces are on the wall, o.k. a lot of pieces. A couple of key rings (yes Karen couldn't resist one) and tickets for various BTB events have also been purchased. We have since met Pete at other signings and events and he is a really great guy (drives a nice TVR too!)
Have made great friends through the different events and we all help each other with each others collections too. Lots of different events and signings are held throughout the year that we go to and have lots of fun and spend time with crazy like-minded people!!
This amazing picture was won at the Summer Bad Taste Bear event in 2007 in Kent. We only bought one strip of raffle tickets and won the top prize. I think my face says it all holding the winning raffle ticket, I could not believe my luck!!! This is Scarlet the bear in acrylics. Very rare and very special indeed and has pride of place with her very own spotlight! We got her professionally framed at an art studio and it now weighs even more. A proud owner of something so very special!!
A close up shot of "Dave's Meaty Balls" that Karen had done for me. This is because we met in the restaurant at Ikea where we both had weekend jobs whilst studying and for us it was "love over the meatballs". She took me for a meal there one night after work a few years back and just before I tucked into my meatballs she handed an envelope to me with this inside. To say I was speechless was an understatement and this sketch is very special and means a lot to the both of us too.
My latest piece of personal art - "Dave's Meaty Motor" that Karen had done for my birthday and yes that bear is supposed to be me and yes that is my Porsche too!!
Very proud and honoured to have these I can tell you :)
I have also joined Pete's art club as well and that has lead to a few purchases of some very special art indeed, some I have bought myself and some Karen bought me. I am so lucky. The art work to me just brings the bears and their character to life. Pete is so talented!
Secret World Of Pete range and the Goth bears
Other special editions like "Throbbin Hood", "Alice's adventures in wonderland" and "Somewhere bent over the rainbow"
So yeah I guess I kind of like Bad Taste Bears - if you want more information on these bears of such bad taste feel free to enter the warped world of Bad Taste Bears by clicking on the link below...
