'Largest' puppet collection auctioned in Derby

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-34260166

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A collection of rare post-war puppets has been sold for about £56,000.

The puppets, which included characters like Little Red Riding Hood, Noddy and Big Ears, were the brainchild of Bob Pelham, who started his Wonky Toys business in 1947.

Auctioneer James Lewis claimed it was the largest, single-owner collection sold anywhere in the world.

The wooden marionette puppets were the must have toys for children after World War Two and into the following decades.

About 400 of 1,500 Pelham Puppets went under the hammer at Bamfords Auctioneers and Valuers, in Derby, on Wednesday.

They were owned by Kay Casey, who started collecting the models in the early 1990s.

The marionettes, based on characters from films, books and TV shows, were famous for their bright colours and simplicity.

"It is an interesting collectible because many years ago they were popular," Mr Lewis said.

"Of course now kids today sit in front of the TV or on their computer games all day.

"They were part of a massive rebellion against the misery of World War Two because of their bright colours and they were inventive recycling items to save costs.

"There were various things you couldn't use back then."

An 8ft (2.43m) puppet called Bimbo, which at one time stood in the entrance of Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, sold individually for £4,100.

Bamfords said buyers from six countries had expressed interest in the puppets.

Two further auctions are planned for November and February.