Bear Faced Lies...

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Bear Faced Lies...

I have always been a ‘maker’. I undertook a formal, four-year training in stitched textiles early in my career and this provided me with a solid foundation of sound skills and professional working practice - most importantly, a thorough grounding in hand work.It was in early 2000 that I discovered an ‘up-scale collectibles store’ in Los Angeles. I was totally captivated by the collection of miniature toys, dolls and teddy bears. I was hooked.

As my interest in the miniatures developed, I examined the market in more depth. I found that it was not easy to find a quality, traditionally-made miniature bear: by ‘traditional’ I mean one that is entirely hand-stitched, made from mohair plush, with proper joints and fully-formed paws and pads. So I decided to make my own.

It was my partner, William, who suggested that I set-up a website, to see if there was a market for my product.  And so, in 2004,  ‘Bear-faced Lies’ by Charlotte Deadman was born.  I was approached by the buyer for the Savoy Hotel to design and make a range for the Savoy Shop. The designs were to be themed around the Hotel’s operation.  The designs were to be themed around the Hotel’s operation (the Hotel’s iconic ‘Chef’, the ‘Barman’ from the American Bar - in which, incidentally, the first British Dry Martini was stirred) and the Gilbert and Sullivan operas (‘Yum Yum’ from The Mikado, ‘Josephine’ from H.M.S. Pinafore, etc.) - the neighbouring Savoy Theatre being the home of the d’Oyly Carte.

A lot of ideas now come from inquiries or commissions – which I then expand into a small range. My range of miniature millinery sprang from part of a commission from Harrods. This required a specific ‘Top Hat’.  I make these in the traditional way, using my own custom-made wooden hat forms, having conducted extensive research including regular visits to the V&A to make sketches and design notes.  And, of course, my miniature millinery is entirely hand stitched – no raw edges and definitely no glue.

Most of my work is by commission. My work can also be purchased at the outlets mentioned above and direct from my website:

www.bear-faced-lies.com

Miniature millinery is my main focus for the foreseeable future – but watch the website: I have some interesting ideas that I am working on.When time permits, I design one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces for special occasions i.e. Christmas, St. Valentine’s Day, etc. – again, these special pieces are snapped-up very quickly – even before I have thought of the design. But please ask – I can probably make just what you want.