Firstly we must thank Arthur's daughters Linda & Vivian for supplying the following wonderful footage and images for all to see.
There have been many questions asked over the years as to who owned the Horses or where did that Cart come from?
Little the viewer realised that the Horses and Carts as featured in the Steptoe & Son episodes and films were actually used and owned by real-life totter Arthur Arnold. Out of filming hours Delilah (Dolly) & Hercules were actually pulling the screen used cart around London with Arthur Arnold holding the reigns and riding the most famous prop on TV & film. Not only did Arthur supply the Horses & Cart, he actually starred in the episode "A Death In The Familiy" and 2nd feature film "Steptoe & Son Ride Again".
Arthur had a superb friendship with Wilf & Harry and would occasionally drink with them outside of filming hours. In a Radio Times
interview Arthur mentions that Wilf & Harry are really nice blokes, real gentleman he said".
Around the White City and Shepherds Bush area of London Arthur, Hercules & Dolly were local celebrities with Arthur giving a number of Newspaper Interviews especially when Hercules retired from filming. At special request on a number of occasions Hercules and the Cart were hired to transport a Bride & Groom to and from the church with family and onlookers cheering (see gallery). Every year Arthur and family attended the annual Regents Park Easter Parade (now called the london harness horse parade). Also attending was an array of other horse releated interests including Watney & Whitbreds Brewers shire horses, Pony & Traps, Horse Drawn Fire Engines, Coal Trolleys and horse carriages who would navigate around Regents Park on easter monday.
Linda reminisces on how she enjoyed riding around in the Cart and the fun seeing Attendees dressed in costume with the crowds cheering upon seeing Hercules and the Steptoe Cart passing by.
However a totters life is not an easy one, early morning starts, long hours and poor weather equals a seriously hard day.
This rare video footage shows Arthur on his rounds, a true view of life as a London Totter.
Viewers watching the footage will instantly notice Arthur's yard (in Notting Dale) as it featured in many a Steptoe episode.
Sadly Arthur passed away in 2002, a true London Character and a Gentleman who added sparkle to our favourite comedy.

CLICK HERE for the Video's!
CLICK HERE for the Photo Gallery!