Teddybär, 1920-1970

In the middle decades of 20th century Germany, two polar bears came to Berlin Zoo. Many families go to the zoo to see the bears, they're in fashion and all of the children want photographs in front of the zoo with these guys in bear suits. It's was a huge success in Berlin.

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

Though according to some report, it was created by the German stuffed animal company Steiff as a mascot for Fanta, the carbonated soda invented in Germany during World War II to make up for the shortage of Coca-Cola. The mascot was meant to encourage a feeling of fun and normalcy and detract attention away from the horrors of wartime.

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

The 200 page “TEDDYBÄR” features the bears with everyone from children to soldiers in Wehrmacht uniforms (and even a child wearing a swastika symbol on her chest). They span decades, from about the 1920s to the 1970s, offering a unique glimpse at Germany during a very critical time in its history. The book also includes a post-face from philosopher Klaus Peter Speidel, adding some commentary to the “placid, playful, sometimes disturbing” and surreal photos.

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

IMAGE: TEDDYBÄR, A SERIES FROM THE JEAN-MARIE DONAT COLLECTION, INNOCENCES PUBLISHING

"People need a reason to have their picture taken, and a bear is a damn good reason."

-KLAUS PETER SPEIDEL