A collection of original 1960s Sooty, Sweep and Soo puppets, once belonging to the son of children's entertainer Harry Corbett, has sold at auction for nearly £15,000. The famous yellow bear and his companions were expected to fetch between £4,000 and £6,000, but they were purchased for more than double their estimate by a lifelong fan of the show on Thursday.
New Owner Pays £14,800
The 58-year-old building designer from Lancashire fought off bidders online, on the phone, and in the saleroom to secure the trio of puppets, which originally belonged to Dave Corbett. Dave, along with his brother Matthew, inspired the global children's TV phenomenon. After several decades, he decided to part with his father's collection so the puppets could find a new home. The new owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, admitted the purchase cost more than his first house. With auction fees, he faces a bill of £14,800.
He said: 'A lot of people think I'm mad but it's difficult to describe what they 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.'
Emotional Purchase
The buyer expressed his disbelief and joy: '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 plans to use an inheritance from his late mother to pay for the archive, noting that they used to watch the programme together, so he believes she would approve.
Auction Details
The collection, which hammered at £11,000, included two Sweeps and two Soos, as well as a mechanical device that operated Soo. Dave is said to be 'delighted' with the result, according to Hansons Auctioneers, who sold the items in Etwall, Derbyshire. Auctioneer Charles Hanson remarked: '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.'
History of the Puppets
Dave was just a baby in 1948 when legendary puppeteer Corbett bought a glove puppet to entertain him and his brother Matthew, who later took over the show. The impulse purchase of a 7s 6d yellow puppet, then simply known as 'Teddy', evolved into the beloved children's show, thanks to Corbett, who at the time worked as an engineer for Leeds Council. The archive also included a specially engineered mechanical device made for Dave's mother, Marjorie, known as Toabs, who became the voice and 'hand' of Soo in 1964.
Dave recalled how the puppets were part of the family while growing up in Guiseley, 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.'
