Original 1960s puppets from The Sooty Show, belonging to the son of creator Harry Corbett, have been purchased by a lifelong fan for almost £15,000 at auction, exceeding expectations.

Iconic Puppets Sell for Record Price

A remarkable collection of original Sooty, Sweep, and Soo puppets, once belonging to Dave Corbett, son of the celebrated children's entertainer Harry Corbett, was sold at auction for a staggering nearly £15,000. The iconic yellow bear and his mischievous companions significantly exceeded pre-auction estimates of £4,000-£6,000, ultimately fetching more than double that amount.

Winning Bid and Emotional Connection

The winning bidder, a 58-year-old building designer from Lancashire, successfully outmaneuvered competition from online, telephone, and in-person bidders. The anonymous purchaser admitted the cost surpassed that of his first home, with the final bill, including auction fees, reaching £14,800.

However, he expressed an immeasurable emotional connection to the puppets, stating that the financial outlay was secondary to their significance. He confessed a particular fondness for Sweep, deeming him the more spirited character, yet celebrated acquiring the complete trio.

A Return to Lancashire

Auctioneer Charles Hanson expressed his delight that the puppets would be returning to Lancashire, considered their spiritual home. He acknowledged the fervent desire among Sooty fans for this outcome and recounted the winning bidder’s visible elation.

Funding the Purchase and Family History

The purchaser intends to fund the acquisition using an inheritance from his late mother, believing she would have wholeheartedly approved, given their shared history of watching the program together. The collection comprised two Sweep puppets, two Soo puppets, and a unique mechanical device designed to operate Soo.

The Origins of Sooty

The story of Sooty’s origins traces back to 1948 when Harry Corbett impulsively purchased a glove puppet, initially known as ‘Teddy,’ for just 7s 6d to entertain his young sons, Dave and Matthew. This simple purchase evolved into the enduring children’s show we know today, thanks to Corbett’s ingenuity and his career as an engineer for Leeds Council.

A Mother's Creative Touch

The archive also included a specially crafted mechanical device created for Dave’s mother, Marjorie, affectionately known as Toabs, who became the voice and puppeteer of Soo in 1964. Dave fondly recalled the puppets being an integral part of his childhood, growing up in Guisley, near Leeds.

He shared anecdotes about his mother’s creative touch, using soot from the fireplace to enhance Sooty’s appearance, thus inspiring the character’s name. He also reminisced about assisting his father during performances and witnessing his father’s deep affection for Sooty, meticulously grooming his face.

Hansons Auctioneers reported that Dave Corbett is ‘delighted’ with the result.