EXIT PURSUED BY A BEAR...

As a young man in my twenties, I developed a friendship with Michael Bond, the creator of Paddington Bear, who died Tuesday aged 91. We corresponded regularly and I spent time with him and his family at their then home in Haslemere.

Following a change in Michael's marital status, we lost touch for over 30 years until, in 2014, BBC Radio 2's Arts Show reunited us by sending me to talk to Michael about his new book, LOVE FROM PADDINGTON. As a small tribute to a gentle man with a real gift for storytelling, here's our last conversation...

AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART

VALENTINE'S DAY
so today's post has to be about...
LOVE

Here's a series of early Sibley drawings – shortly after I discovered felt-tip pens! – giving a unusual take on a well-known vow!

YOU and YOUR
TEDDY BEAR

Will you LOVE

HONOUR and OBEY

For BETTER for WORSE

For RICHER for POORER

In SICKNESS and in HEALTH

As LONG as
YOU BOTH SHALL LIVE?

"I WILL!"



May your VALENTINES be always TRUE..

...and if you don't have a VALENTINE today
then I'm sending a You-shaped share of My Love!