TV auctioneer Charles Hanson had his hands full with three of the most famous glove puppets in the world, owned by the legendary puppeteer Harry Corbett.
They have been consigned for sale by his son Dave Corbett – who, with his brother Matthew– was the inspiration behind the global phenomenon.
Dave was just a baby in 1948 when Harry Corbett bought a glove puppet to entertain him and his brother Matthew, who went on to take over 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.”
From that impulse buy of a 7s 6d yellow puppet, then just known as ‘Teddy’, few could have predicted the global phenomenon Harry Corbett, then working as an engineer for Leeds council, and Sooty would become.
Dating from the mid ‘60s, all three are part of a larger Corbett archive, made up of Sooty, two Sweeps and two Soos, expected to make £4,000-£6,000 when it goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ Derby saleroom on April 23,
Dave 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.”
Also included in the sale is a specially engineered mechanical device made for Dave’s mum – Marjorie, who was known as Toabs, and became the voice and “hand” of Soo in 1964.
Dave said: “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 gave Soo her name, a contraction of Sooty, and made all the puppets’ clothes.
Sooty’s first TV appearance came in 1952 and before long the disobedient puppet known for wielding a magic wand, had become a hit.
Dave, now 81, said: “I remember handing props up to dad from under the table.”
He also remembers the real affection his father had for Sooty.
He said: “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.”
Scores of Sootys were made by the toy maker Chad Valley for the show over the years – each notably different from their replicas because of their longer bodies – needed in puppetry.
Many were given away by big-hearted Harry to friends, coworkers on the show, or their children.
Charles Hanson said: “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 for an original puppet used by Harry Corbett when it sold for £14,500.
Dave who studied at the Central School of Drama in the ‘60s went on to be a stage manager on the show, later working as the musical director on Sooty & Co. in the ‘90s.
The sale also includes two Sweeps, also owned by the family, who was voiced by Harry’s brother, Leslie, using a saxophone reed to produce the dog’s famous squeaky voice.
It also includes a hardback This Is Your Life album, presented to Harry Corbett OBE by Michael Aspel after the 1988 show which saw Aspel dressed in a full-size Sooty outfit.
The ITV show included 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 had a heart attack and retired in 1976, with his son Matthew, who was working on Rainbow, later taking over. When Matthew retired in 1998, he bequeathed Sooty to lifelong fan Richard Cadell.
Dave became a teacher in Worcestershire, marrying Sue and having two children and later grandchildren.
Today his interest in children’s entertainment and education continues in storytelling musical podcasts and as a composer of musicals aimed at youngsters.
Now he wants the glove puppets, currently kept in a box, to go to someone who will really appreciate them.
Charles Hanson continued: “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.”
Ove the years Sooty met many famous people including, in 1955, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at whom he famously squired a water pistol.
Auction Details
Auction: The Derbyshire April Specialist Diecast, Model Railway and Collectable Toys Auction
Auction date: 23rd April 2026 | 10am
Location: Hansons’ Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
