If you’re all sitting comfortably, I’ll begin…

Just where were those bears made? The familiar stands, seats and other furnishings fashioned as realistically carved bears, usually from limewood, have traditionally been attributed to the Black Forest region of West Germany but recent researches suggest that Switzerland is a more likely source.

The brown bear is the emblem of the Canton of Bern, and Brienz is thought to have been a centre for …

Enjoy unlimited access: just £1 for 12 weeks

Subscribe now