Rupert Annuals 1970-1979
Rupert Annuals 1980-1989
Rupert Annuals 1990-1999
Rupert Annuals 2000-

Rupert Bear annuals are probably some of the most avidly collected today. First published in an annual in 1936, Rupert has been published every year since, in varying formats.

The famous illustrator Mary Tourtel created Rupert and he first appeared in the Daily Express issue of 8th November 1920. Her husband, Herbert Tourtel, also played a part - he wrote the verses which appeared with the drawings.
After failing eyesight caused Mary to retire in 1935, Alfred Edmeades Bestall took over the illustrations and also wrote the stories himself. Following Bestall, Alex Cubie took the reigns as illustrator with the stories being written by Freddie Chaplain.
John Harrold presently illustrates the Rupert annuals, having taken over the assignment in 1980.
Although Rupert has undergone a few changes - the most noticeable in the 1973 annual where on the front cover Rupert was controversially given a white face, instead of his usual brown face - he is still the lovable bear that children and adults of all ages can relate to.

With the many different Rupert books, including the Annuals, (originals and facsimiles), The Adventure Series, and Little Bear Library Series it's never too soon to start collecting!