Why my Grandfather was affectionally known as Bu

My grandfather, Anthony, affectionately known as “Bu,” had a nickname that carried a legacy as unique as the man himself. The name "Bu," short for "Bubbles," was a childhood moniker tied to his uncanny resemblance to the golden-haired boy featured in Pears' Soap advertisements—a nostalgic image that once captivated the world. Later he would say he was nicknamed Bu, because he was so Beautiful.

Pears' Soap advertisements, iconic during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were centered around themes of purity, innocence, and the simple joys of childhood. The most famous of these images was derived from Sir John Everett Millais’ 1886 painting, A Child’s World, which later gained renown under the name Bubbles. This artwork depicted a golden-haired boy gazing wistfully at a delicate soap bubble, a symbol of life’s beauty and fragility. The painting was purchased by Thomas J. Barratt, Pears’ manager and the so-called “Father of Modern Advertising,” for £2,200—a monumental investment for the time.

Barratt’s decision to use Bubbles as the centerpiece of Pears’ advertising campaigns proved transformative. The image graced countless Christmas annuals between 1897 and 1925 and became synonymous with the brand’s identity. This brilliant marketing strategy was reinforced by other Pears’ advertisements, such as a 1910 campaign featuring another golden-haired child, this time caught in the act of blowing bubbles. These sentimental portrayals, combined with innovative advertising techniques, elevated Pears to international fame.

For my grandfather, Anthony, his resemblance to the Bubbles boy was both a point of humor and pride in the family. With his radiant golden locks and angelic demeanor, it’s no wonder he became a living embodiment of the boy from Pears’ famed advertisements. The nickname “Bu” stuck throughout his life, carrying with it the warmth and nostalgia of a time when innocence and artistry blended seamlessly to sell soap—and capture hearts.

Pears’ campaigns were more than just advertisements; they were cultural milestones. Barratt’s vision brought fine art to the masses, embedding Bubbles in the collective memory. The brand’s efforts to evoke familial warmth and domesticity resonated with generations of families, including mine. For Anthony, it was as if he had stepped out of the painting itself, bringing a touch of that magical era into our lives.

Today, as I reflect on my grandfather’s enduring nickname, I can’t help but smile at the confluence of personal history and cultural legacy. "Bu," like the soap bubbles in those famous Pears advertisements, continues to symbolize innocence, joy, and the beauty of fleeting moments—a fitting tribute to a man who lived with such warmth and light.