The original Sooty puppets from the 1960s, owned by Harry Corbett’s son, are set to be auctioned off and are anticipated to fetch around £6,000. Dave Corbett, who, alongside his brother Matthew, served as the inspiration for the popular children’s TV character, is selling the iconic yellow glove puppet along with two Sweeps and two Soos. Additionally, he is parting ways with the mechanical device that operated Soo, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the puppets were manipulated.
The story dates back to 1948 when Harry Corbett, a renowned puppeteer, purchased a glove puppet for his young sons, Dave and Matthew. The purchase of a 7s 6d yellow puppet named ‘Teddy’ during a holiday in Blackpool eventually led to the creation of a beloved children’s TV show. Now, at 81 years old, Dave has decided to part with these cherished pieces of television history, which will be auctioned at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on April 23.
Growing up in Guisley, near Leeds, Dave reminisced about how the puppets were an integral part of their family life. He shared that his mother enhanced the puppets by using soot from the fireplace on their ears and noses, giving rise to the names Sooty and Sweep. The auction will also include a mechanical device specially made for Dave’s mother, Marjorie, who operated Soo on the show.
Sooty made his TV debut in 1952 and quickly became a sensation with his magic wand antics. The auctioned puppets were unique as they were owned by the Corbett family and were handled by Harry himself. Charles Hanson, the owner of Hansons, highlighted the exceptional provenance of these items, expecting a surge in interest from museums, collectors, and TV enthusiasts.
Dave, who pursued a career in entertainment and education, is now eager to find a new home for the glove puppets, currently stored away. Reflecting on the enduring popularity of Sooty and Sweep, Charles emphasized their significant contributions to entertainment history. Over the years, Sooty interacted with various celebrities, including a memorable encounter with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1955.
The auction also includes two Sweeps owned by the family, along with a hardback This Is Your Life album presented to Harry Corbett by Michael Aspel. The album, signed by Aspel, commemorates a 1988 show where Aspel surprised Harry dressed as Sooty. Following Harry’s retirement in 1976, his son Matthew took over the Sooty show, continuing the legacy of the beloved puppet character.