Original Sooty and Sweep Puppets from 1960s Head to Auction with £6,000 Estimate
The original Sooty and Sweep puppets, owned by legendary puppeteer Harry Corbett, are being sold at auction by his son Dave Corbett and could fetch up to £6,000. This remarkable collection offers a unique glimpse into the beloved children's television phenomenon that captivated audiences for decades.
Family Treasures with Impeccable Provenance
Dave Corbett, now 81 years old, is parting with these cherished pieces of television history that were integral to his family's life. The collection includes the iconic yellow glove puppet Sooty, two Sweep puppets, two Soo puppets, and the mechanical device that operated Soo - providing fascinating insight into how the puppets were brought to life on screen.
"I don't remember it because I was so young," Dave recalled about the puppet's origins, "but we were on holiday in Blackpool on the North Pier when dad bought the puppet to amuse me and my brother Matthew."
The Birth of a Television Legend
The spontaneous purchase of a 7s 6d yellow puppet - originally known simply as 'Teddy' - blossomed into a much-loved children's programme thanks to Harry Corbett, who at the time worked as an engineer for Leeds Council. It was Dave's mother Marjorie who used soot from the fire on the puppet's ears and nose to make him more endearing, hence the name Sooty.
Marjorie, known as Toabs, became the voice and "hand" of Soo in 1964, and when her manipulation skills proved challenging, prop maker Bill Garret created a special mechanical device to help her move Soo better. She also named Soo by shortening it from Sooty and made all the puppets' outfits herself.
Behind the Scenes of a Cultural Phenomenon
Sooty made his television debut in 1952 and quickly became a sensation with his mischievous antics and magic wand. Dave remembers handing props up to his father from under the table during performances and witnessing his father's genuine affection for the character.
"To my dad Sooty was like a child, an actual person and a real part of his life," Dave stated. "I remember how he would use a pin to meticulously comb Sooty's face to make sure he looked his very best."
Rare Collection with Museum Appeal
The puppets will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on April 23. Auction house owner Charles Hanson commented on the significance of the collection: "What makes this Sooty, Sweep and Soo stand head and shoulders above the rest is they were effectively part of the Corbett family and owned by Harry himself."
Hanson expects interest from museums, private collectors, and British television enthusiasts, noting that in 2018, Hansons set a world record when an original puppet used by Harry Corbett sold for £14,500.
Additional Memorabilia in the Sale
The auction also features a hardback This Is Your Life album presented to Harry Corbett by Michael Aspel following the 1988 show, where Aspel famously arrived dressed in a full-size Sooty costume. The book is signed: 'Got you at last, Harry! Best Wishes + Thanks Michael Aspel and the team'.
Dave Corbett, who trained at the Central School of Drama in the 1960s and later served as musical director on Sooty & Co. in the 1990s, is now keen for the glove puppets to find a home with someone who will truly cherish them.
Enduring Legacy of Slapstick Entertainment
Charles Hanson reflected on the cultural significance of the puppets: "Some entertainment acts, like Sooty and Sweep, become a cultural phenomenon. If you think the antics of the mischievous duo hasn't stood the test of time, have a look at the old programmes on YouTube. The slapstick is hilarious. Strips of fur they may be, but these glove puppets represent some of the most iconic moments of entertainment history."
Throughout the years, Sooty interacted with numerous celebrities, most notably in 1955 when he met the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, at whom he famously squirted a water pistol. This auction represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of British television history that continues to delight audiences to this day.
