The Teddy was named after Teddy Roosevelt, who became US President in 1902, and for whom the ‘teddy bear’ became a mascot.
The opossum, popularly known as Billy Possum, was subsequently the mascot of William Tait, who succeeded Roosevelt in 1908.
‘Billy P’ is a replica of one of the first (circa 1908) German mohair opossums, formerly in the museum in Witney.
Made of aged and extensively hand-plucked, old gold mohair, he has black button eyes, a stitched dusky pink nose and mouth, aged felt paw pads and a long mohair tail. Softly pellet filled, he is as new with certificate. Billy P is very tactile and, now, very hard to find.
limited edition of 150
27cm 10.75²
