A set of original Sooty, Sweep, and Soo puppets from the 1960s, once owned by the son of renowned children’s entertainer Harry Corbett, fetched nearly £15,000 at auction.
The iconic yellow bear and his friends were anticipated to sell for between £4,000 and £6,000. However, a dedicated fan of the show secured them for more than double their estimated value during Thursday’s auction.
A 58-year-old building designer from Lancashire emerged victorious, outbidding rivals online, over the phone, and in the auction room to acquire the puppets, which previously belonged to Dave Corbett.
Dave, along with his brother Matthew, served as inspiration for the beloved children’s television program. He chose to part with his father’s cherished collection after many years, hoping to find them a new home.
The new owner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, revealed that the purchase price, including auction fees, amounted to £14,800, which surpassed the cost of his first home.
“Many people think I’m crazy,” he admitted, “but it’s hard to put into words what these puppets mean to me.”
‘For me it’s more about Sweep than Sooty. Sweep is naughtier and by far the better character, in my opinion.
‘But to have all three of them in one package is fantastic.
Auctioneer Charles Hanson (pictured) said: ‘I know many Sooty fans were hoping the puppets would return to their spiritual roots of Lancashire and I am delighted the trio has found a new home in that great county
The original puppets from The Sooty Show belonging to son of children’s entertainer Harry Corbett went for £14,000 at auction
‘I couldn’t believe that I got it. I was shaking like a leaf.
‘I immediately phoned my wife and asked her if she was sitting down. She, like me, was absolutely delighted.’
He told how he plans to use an inheritance from his late mother to pay for the archive.
He said: ‘We used to watch the programme together, so I think she would approve.’
The collection, which hammered at £11,000, included two Sweeps and two Soos – as well as a mechanical device which operated Soo.
Dave is said to be ‘delighted’ with the result, according to Hansons Auctioneers, who sold the items in Etwall, Derbys.
Auctioneer Charles Hanson said: ‘I know many Sooty fans were hoping the puppets would return to their spiritual roots of Lancashire and I am delighted the trio has found a new home in that great county.’
Dave was just a baby in 1948 when legendary puppeteer Corbett bought a glove puppet to entertain him and brother Matthew, who went on to take over the show.
The impulse buy of a 7s 6d yellow puppet – then just known as ‘Teddy’ – turned into the much-loved children’s show thanks to Corbett, who then worked as an engineer for Leeds Council.
The archive also included a specially engineered mechanical device made for Dave’s mother – Marjorie, who was known as Toabs, and became the voice and ‘hand’ of Soo in 1964.
Dave revealed how he remembers the puppets being part of the family while growing up in the family home 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.
‘I remember handing props up to dad from under the table.
‘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.’
