In 1948, while on holiday in Blackpool, Harry Corbett—a humble electrician from Yorkshire—spotted a bear glove puppet selling for just £1. He bought it to entertain his children, never imagining it would spark a cultural phenomenon. To make the puppet more expressive on camera, he blackened its ears with soot, giving birth to “Sooty.” What began as a playful gesture turned into a legacy. Sooty debuted on BBC TV in the 1950s and quickly became a household name, charming generations with silent mischief and magic tricks. Corbett’s creation wasn’t just a puppet—it was a symbol of joy, innocence, and British creativity. Over the decades, Sooty evolved through new presenters and formats, but the heart of the character remained unchanged. From a £1 glove to a national treasure, Harry Corbett’s story proves that great legends often begin with small, heartfelt gestures. His legacy lives on in laughter, nostalgia, and the enduring magic of a little yellow bear.
