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
The son of Harry Corbett is putting his father’s original Sooty puppets from the 1960s up for sale – with the collection expected to fetch up to £6,000 at auction.
Dave Corbett – who, along with his brother Matthew, served as the inspiration behind the globally beloved children’s TV phenomenon – is offloading the iconic yellow glove puppet together with two Sweeps and two Soos. He is also parting with the mechanical device that operated Soo – offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into how the puppets were brought to life.
Dave was barely a baby in 1948 when legendary puppeteer Harry Corbett purchased a glove puppet to entertain him and his brother Matthew, who would later take the reins of the show.
He said: “I don’t remember it because I was so young, but we were on holiday in Blackpool on the North Pier when dad bought the puppet to amuse me and my brother Matthew.”
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The spontaneous purchase of a 7s 6d yellow puppet – originally known simply as ‘Teddy’ – blossomed into a much-loved children’s programme, all thanks to Harry, who at the time worked as an engineer for Leeds Council. Dave, now 81, has chosen to part with these treasured pieces of TV history, which will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on April 23.
Dave recalled how the puppets were very much a fixture of family life growing up in Guisley, near Leeds. He said: “It was mum who used some soot from the fire on his ears and nose to make him seem more endearing.
“Hence the name Sooty and then later Sweep.” Also up for sale is a specially designed mechanical device created for Dave’s mum – Marjorie, known as Toabs, who became the voice and “hand” of Soo in 1964.
Dave explained: “It was quickly apparent that, unlike dad who was a talented pianist and magician, mum’s manipulation skills were not up to par. So the mechanical device was then made by Bill Garret, the show’s prop maker to help mum move Soo better.”
Marjorie also named Soo, shortening it from Sooty, and she made all the puppets’ outfits.
Sooty’s debut TV appearance was in 1952 and the mischievous puppet, famous for brandishing a magic wand, soon became a sensation.
Dave recalled: “I remember handing props up to dad from under the table.” He also remembers his father’s genuine fondness for Sooty.
He stated: “To my dad Sooty was like a child, an actual person and a real part of his life. I remember how he would use a pin to meticulously comb Sooty’s face to make sure he looked his very best.”
Numerous Sootys were produced by toymaker Chad Valley for the programme over the years – each distinctly different from shop-bought versions due to their elongated bodies – essential for puppetry. Many were gifted by generous Harry to friends, colleagues on the programme, or their children.
Hansons owner Charles Hanson commented: “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.
“Being consigned for sale by his son, means the provenance could not be better. We are expecting interest from museums, private collectors and British TV buffs which could make the price really skyrocket.”
In 2018, Hansons set a world record when an original puppet used by Harry Corbett sold for £14,500. Dave, who trained at the Central School of Drama in the ’60s, went on to become a stage manager on the show, before later serving as musical director on Sooty & Co. in the ’90s.
The sale also features two Sweeps, likewise owned by the family. The beloved character was voiced by Harry’s brother Leslie, who used a saxophone reed to create the dog’s iconic squeaky voice.
Also going under the hammer is a hardback This Is Your Life album, presented to Harry Corbett by Michael Aspel following the 1988 show, which famously saw Aspel arrive dressed in a full-size Sooty costume. The ITV programme featured appearances from Janet Brown and Charlie Drake, and the book is signed: ‘Got you at last, Harry! Best Wishes + Thanks Michael Aspel and the team’.
Harry suffered a heart attack and stepped down in 1976, with his son Matthew, who had been working on Rainbow, subsequently taking over the reins.
Dave settled in Worcestershire as a teacher, marrying Sue and raising two children, and later welcoming grandchildren. To this day, his passion for children’s entertainment and education lives on through storytelling musical podcasts and composing musicals aimed at young audiences.
Now he is keen for the glove puppets, currently stored away in a box, to find a home with someone who will truly cherish them. Charles went on to say: “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 rubbed shoulders 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.
