The original Sooty puppets from the 1960s, once owned by Harry Corbett’s son, are set to be auctioned, with an estimated value of up to £6,000. Dave Corbett, who, along with his brother Matthew, inspired the famous children’s TV characters, is selling the iconic yellow glove puppet along with two Sweeps and two Soos. Additionally, a mechanical device used to operate Soo will also be included in the auction, providing insight into how the puppets were animated.
The history of these puppets dates back to 1948 when Harry Corbett, a renowned puppeteer, purchased a glove puppet for his young sons, Dave and Matthew. The yellow puppet, initially named ‘Teddy,’ eventually led to the creation of a beloved children’s program, thanks to Harry’s ingenuity. Now, at the age of 81, Dave has decided to part with these significant pieces of television history, which will be auctioned at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on April 23.
Growing up in Guisley, near Leeds, Dave fondly remembers how the puppets were integral to their family life. He shared that his mother creatively used soot from the fire to enhance the puppets’ features, leading to the names Sooty and Sweep. Moreover, a mechanical device was specially designed for Dave’s mother, Marjorie, who operated Soo on the show.
Harry Corbett’s genuine affection for Sooty was evident, as he treated the puppet as if it were a real person, meticulously caring for its appearance. Over the years, multiple versions of Sooty were crafted by toymaker Chad Valley for the program, each unique due to their tailored design for puppetry purposes.
The upcoming auction at Hansons is expected to attract interest from museums, collectors, and enthusiasts of British TV memorabilia. The sale will feature not only the iconic puppets but also other memorabilia related to the Corbett family’s entertainment legacy, including a hardback This Is Your Life album presented to Harry Corbett.
Following Harry’s retirement in 1976, his son Matthew took over the Sooty franchise, while Dave pursued a career in teaching and continued to contribute to children’s entertainment through podcasts and musical compositions. Now, Dave hopes to find a new home for the treasured glove puppets, ensuring they are cherished by someone who appreciates their historical significance.
As Sooty and Sweep continue to captivate audiences with their timeless antics, the auction presents an opportunity for fans to own a piece of entertainment history. The legacy of these glove puppets, representing iconic moments in television, remains a testament to the enduring popularity of these beloved characters.