Rupert is 90

Rupert Bear turned 90 yesterday, making him the longest running children's character in the world. This cover from the 1937 Rupert Annual is worth at least £20,000 in good condition, because only 12 were printed. The print run was stopped so that Rupert's more familiar white face could be inserted (CLICK). The artist, Alfred E. Bestall, wasn't consulted over the change. He left in a huff and never painted another Rupert cover. The covers have shown a white-face Rupert ever since. Click the title link for a BBC video about Rupert and watch out for the white-faced 1937 Rupert Annual.