Well, he's been a familiar children's figure for decades. But the origin story of Paddington

Bear is one born of darker times, and one worth noting on this Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Paddington's creator, author Michael Bond, recalled seeing Jewish refugee children during World

War II arriving in Britain with name cards around their necks and

suitcases in their hands. Those memories inspired the bear so beloved by generations.

Bond died in 2017, but for the past 30 years, it's been an artist in Rhode Island, helping

to keep Paddington's story alive. Ocean State Media's Pamela Watts has more

as part of our arts and culture series, Canvas.

Hello.

For almost 70 years, Paddington Bear has entertained generations

in books, on stage, on TV, and in live action movies, even the late Queen of England herself was bemused by the beloved bear.

However, Paddington Bear hibernates here in Barrington.

That's because illustrator R.W. Alley has been looking after this bear as the story goes for decades.

There are very few children's literature characters who have Paddington's range and depth.

I think it's because the basis is kindness and acceptance.

That warm spirit of inclusion incubates in Allie's sun-drenched book-lined art studio at

his Barrington home, where he gets into the storybook.

I have to be the character I'm drawing. I have to be in my head saying the things that

the character is saying to get the expression on the face.

In order to do that, Allie uses pen and ink, colored pencils, watercolors, and...

Mmm.

Sometimes for Paddington's fur, some coffee...

...