‘There’s a little bear on the loose / He’s a lot of fun,’ were the possibly-debatable sentiments expressed in the song introducing the 1970s TV version of Rupert the Bear.
But one organisation which certainly loves the well-known Daily Express cartoon character is the Bible Society. For it turns out that none other than Rupert is helping the organisation provide Scripture around the world.
Bible Society spokesman Simon Bartz explains: ‘Rupert’s helping hand, or paw, came about when writer and illustrator Alfred Bestall remembered the Bible Society in his will. Alfred produced the popular Rupert the Bear columns in the Daily Express for 30 years. Rupert, who lives in Nutwood, first appeared in the newspaper in November 1920.
‘If one of Alfred’s Rupert illustrations appear at auction, a small portion of what is paid – Alfred’s royalties – goes toward Bible work. Alfred wrote this instruction into his will.’ Latest figures indicate nine Rupert pictures have been sold in recent years.
Bestall was born in Burma to missionary parents in 1892.
