The Upstairs Bears gallery is located on picturesque Salt Spring Island, B.C., Canada, one of the Gulf Islands nestled between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. The teddy bears at the gallery are a portion of my lifetime collection. Over the years, I have found many wonderful teddies. They are displayed here in relationship to each other, their toys, books and 'friends.

Available for purchase are antique, vintage, limited edition Steiff replica, and artist hand sewn, one of a kind bears. History sometimes accompanies the older bears ('bears with provenance'), and tales of inspiration are often provided by the artists that created newer bears, many of whom have won awards for their work. We also offer accessories for the well-attired bears.

From their vantage points, the bears serve as perfect reflecting mirrors, offering comfort no matter what the circumstances. They warm the heart and elicit our innermost sentiments. They evoke a sense of wonder that often gets lost in the course of our busy lives. They remind us of gentler times. There are few of us that are unable to respond to a soulful eyed teddy bear.

A discerning and fervent bank, we collectors tend to bond with our most beloved bears. If circumstances necessitate that we part with them, we ideally seek like-minded individuals who will love and appreciate them as we have done. An interviewer once asked me how many bears i own. I answered '...a thousand, maybe...' When my bears began to occupy all the chairs, sofas, table tops, beds, and finally the whirlpool tub, my husband gently suggested that i consider another venue for their display.

Because of the value of the teddy bears, these are definitely not bears for children. Please understand that the gallery on Salt Spring Island is only for adults. Inquiries about the gallery, items offered for sale, and about teddy bears in general are always welcome. We hope you visit or we'd love to hear from you!

Rona and the Bears....