A TV show Sooty puppet begged by a stage hand to delight his children decades ago is set to spark an auction battle.
The glove puppet, used during the production of popular children’s television series The Sooty Show, was gifted to the late Brian Isaacs (surname later changed by deed poll to Kent). He worked as a stage hand/set builder in the entertainment industry from the late 1960s through to the 1980s.
His son Lee Kent, 46, a security worker from Surbiton, South West London, said: “My dad used to build sets on The Sooty Show and, as a kid, I was a massive Sooty fan. Knowing this, dad asked if he could have a Sooty puppet for me. I’m not sure who he spoke to but he worked on the show when it was presented by Sooty’s inventor Harry Corbett and later by his son Matthew Corbett. He met them both as well as lots of other stars.
“I was only about three when dad bought Sooty home in 1979 or 1980. At the time my family lived in Carshalton, South London, near the Thames studios. Dad told me Sooty was old and had been used in the TV show. I am not sure whether our Sooty was used by Harry or Matthew Corbett but Matthew would have been presenting the show at the time.
“When I was young dad used to play with Sooty to entertain me and my brother, Graham. It still brings a smile to my face when I think of my father acting silly with Sooty.
“He worked for Thames Television for more than 20 years on the sets and in the rigging. I believe he started there in the late 1960s or early 70s. He also worked in theatres and on film sets before and after his time at Thames.
“I have pictures of him with Ernie Wise, Tom O’Connor, Des O’Connor and Frankie Vaughan among other celebrities, but not, unfortunately, Harry or Matthew Corbett.
“I’ve always treasured Sooty and kept him in a safe place. He’s been a talking point for many years but now I have no family left. My parents have passed away and, sadly I recently lost my brother. I have no children and have had health issues myself so feel it’s time Sooty found a home where he can be cherished and loved by someone who will appreciate him and his connection to one of the most famous children’s shows in TV history.”
Sooty will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ July 17 Toy Auction with an estimate of £400-£600. It’s hoped the puppet’s TV show provenance will help it soar past the guide price.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “This touching story of a loving dad begging a Sooty from the TV set where he worked to delight his sons reminds me of why Sooty was invented in the first place. Harry Corbett famously bought the first Sooty puppet on Blackpool’s North Pier for seven shillings and six pence in 1948 to entertain his children. The little bear has brought joy to millions of youngsters ever since. Brian was a bit of a super-dad ready to do anything to delight his children!
“Hansons has had the privilege of selling a handful of Corbett-related Sooty puppets with great success. The nation’s love for the little yellow bear with a sooty nose and paws never seems to dim.”
In 2018 a 1950s original Sooty puppet, below, used by Harry Corbett set a world record auction price when it sold for £14,500, with buyer’s premium, at Hansons. Plus in 2008 Richard Cadell, the man who now owns the rights to the TV character, paid £3,100 for an original Corbett-owned Sooty at a fun-filled Hansons auction complete with water-pistol fight.
The Sooty Show was created by Harry Corbett and produced for the BBC from 1955 to 1967, and then for ITV from 1968 until 1992. In 1967, Corbett fell into disagreement with BBC producers over the presentation of the programme. The BBC decided to cancel the programme so he signed a deal with ITV to move The Sooty Show to their channel.
Production was handled by Thames Television from 1968 with Corbett presenting the programme until he retired in 1975. Matthew Corbett presented the programme until 1992 when Thames lost its franchise. Thames Television was a franchise holder for the ITV television network serving London and surrounding areas from July 1968 until December 1992.
The Sooty puppet will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ July 17 Toy Auction. To find out more, email Head of Toys David Wilson-Turner: [email protected]
Toys invited for auction
If you are considering selling a vintage or antique toy, game or gaming item – or an entire collection – please contact Head of Toys David Wilson-Turner. Email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
