Circa 1970s
A pristine example of a Squirrelman Wilf Hutchinson wall hanging corner cabinet, penny moulded top section with subtle adzing to all the framework and inlaid panels. Two fixed shelves internally, wrought iron fittings and a signature squirrel carved to
the lower right side. The whole piece free from any damage, marks or staining with a lovely depth of colour.
Size: 64(w) x 43(d) x 76(h)cm (excluding 5.5(h) cm for the support bracket)
{gallery}DS1347{/gallery}
Circa 1920s/30s
Genuine A W Simpson rectangular oak and lattice leather topped ‘Easy Stool’. The webbed leather seating is held in place by upholstery studs. Four square corner legs each tapering to an octagonal foot. Correct painted brass label to the underside, although
there is no visible job or patent registration number.
Lovely condition, the oak has a lovely aged and waxed patina and all the joints are sound. There’s evidence of a minor wood repair in the past to the inside edge of the underside (visible in the image gallery below) and the original leather has
been replaced in the past with a good quality thick hide which is in excellent condition.
Size: 40.5(w) x 30.5(d) x 30.5(h) cm.
For those interested in learning more about his life and work I can highly recommend the following two books:
The Simpsons of Kendal, Craftsmen in Wood 1885 – 1952 by Eleanor Davidson, published 1978.
The Beautiful Furniture of The Simpsons
of Kendal by Hugh Wright, published 2011. (Author of Stanley Webb Davies)
{gallery}DS1341{/gallery}
Circa 1944
A rare and delightful example of Thomas Whittaker’s early gnome carved work, this bespoke spinning stool was made as a wedding present in 1944 for the previous owners parents and it has been in their family ownership until i acquired it recently
directly from them. The stool is approximately 3/4 the size of typical later made spinning stools ( see stock ref: DS1105 in the sold archive for an example). It presents in superb original condition with typical pegged and screwed construction
and a deep colour and patina with adzing to all external facing surfaces. The back rest features a carved inlaid Yorkshire rose and a trademark gnome carved into the rear corner.
Thomas whittaker (1910 -1991) lived and worked in York and later in Littlebeck, near Whitby, North Yorkshire. His trademark gnome is carved onto most of his post war work and was inspired by a German jewish refugee he met shortly before the outbreak of
war who was judging a piece he had entered into the North of England Craftsmen’s Exhibition in Newcastle. He was asked to indenify the piece in some way and the judge suggested the ‘german oak spirit’ the legend being that a gnome is born each
time an acorn germinates and will guard that tree throughout its life. His work is now highly regarded and nearly as well known as Robert Thompson’s. His business ceased on his death and his former home and workshop is now a private residence. For those
interested in learning more about his life and work i attach a link to a British Pathe newsreel from 1961. Gnomeman Thomas Whittaker
Size: 35(w) x 43(d) x 70(h)cm
{gallery}DS1343{/gallery}
Circa 1960s
A Robet Mouseman Thompson oak fire screen of rectangular form on sledge feet with a pierced handle and trademark mouse carved in high relief to the top frame, an inset wool tapestry below depicting a flowering tree lined road, behind a glass panel. Superb
condition with no damage or faults and a rich deep colour to the wooden frame.
Size: 40.8(w) x 25(d) x 69(h)
{gallery}DS1342{/gallery}
Circa late 1930s / early 40s
A superb pair of sought after early Robert Mouseman Thompson bookends. Both in lovely condition with a rich golden brown colour, no noticeable faults, losses or repairs, the bookends feature large well defined mice and distinctive tooling
to all sides including the base. They originate from a County Durham estate.
Size: 9(w) x 9.5(d) x 16(h) cm each
{gallery}DS1346{/gallery}
Circa 1930s / 1940s
A wonderful example of the highly sought after early Mouseman fruitbowl. Of characteristic early form having the mouse carved to the outside of the bowl and the bowl being deeper but of smaller diameter than the modern bowl design introduced about 1960.
The bowl presents with a superb rich chestnut brown colour and patina and is free from any splits, losses or evidence of previous repair. Adzed / tooled to the interior and exterior of the bowl. The inner bowl shows some evidence of historical
staining which results from the fruit skins and acids reacting with the tannins in the oak, all normal and expected on fruitbowls that have been used as intended over the years.
Size: 24(dia) x 6.8(h) cm
{gallery}DS1340{/gallery}
Circa 1930s / 1940s
A lovely example of the highly sought after early Mouseman fruitbowl. Of characteristic early form having the mouse carved to the outside of the bowl and the bowl being deeper but of smaller diameter than the modern bowl design introduced about 1960.
The bowl presents with a superb rich deep nutty brown colour and patina and is free from any splits, losses or evidence of previous repair. Distinctive large adzeing to the outside of the bowl with a smooth interior. The inner bowl shows
some evidence of old light fruit staining which results from the fruit skins and acids reacting with the tannins in the oak, all normal and expected on fruitbowls that have been used as intended over the years.
Size: 25(dia) x 6.8(h) cm
{gallery}DS1336{/gallery}
Circa 1980s
Excellent example of a Mouseman Robert Thompson ashtray.No longer made, with no evidence of usage for anything other than display. Tooled and presented in a mellow honey colour with a nicely carved mouse.
Size: 10(w) x 7.7(d) x 4.3(h)
{gallery}DS1323{/gallery}
Circa 1990
An excellent example of a 12″ Robert Mouseman Thompson breadboard. Adzed to the upper surface with a signature mouse carved to the upper left routed edge, minimal usage, original unwaxed condition.
Size: 30.5(l) x 25.5(w) x 2.3(h) cm
{gallery}DS1328{/gallery}
Circa 2000
Excellent example of a more modern made Robert Mouseman Thompson cheeseboard. Adzed to the upper surface with a mouse carved in high relief to the handle. A few light knife marks to the board evidence minimal usage, original plain unwaxed condition.
Size: 40(l) x 21(w) x (4.8)h cm
{gallery}DS1327{/gallery}
Circa 1970
A lovely find and always popular with the market, a Mouseman Robert Thompson nest of oak tables in excellent original condition with adzed tops and wonderful medullary ray figuring in the quarter sawn single plank tops. More often than not heavy
usage leads to considerable staining and scratching particularly to the tops and lower legs which is impossible to remove fully without destroying the natural colour and patina of the wood. Privately acquired locally, it is known to have been in
the same original ownership from new, having being purchased for them as a wedding present. Considerate usage and regular waxing have ensured that there’s a wonderful deep and consistent warm honey colour on all three tables and only very minor marking.
Mice are carved in high relief to the front left legs on all three tables.
Sizes: Lge 60.8(w) x 37.5(d) x 47(h), Med 50(w) x 32(d) x 42(h), Sml 39.2(w) x 26.5(d) x 36.5(h) cm
{gallery}DS1333{/gallery}
Circa 1970s
Very rare, the first gated letter rack i’ve seen from Sid Pollard, made for family friends who were residents of Bagby (Sid’s home village) and in their ownership from new. With a curved back and wonderfully detailed bar gate to the
front, a design that is similar to and now more synonemous with the later 1980s onwards made Bob Hunter ‘Wrenman’s ‘ wren carved gated letter racks. (See image gallery below for a comparison). In lovely original condition free from any damage and
with its original green baise lined base.
Sid was one of Robert Thompson’s early apprentices and craftsman and his work is increasingly highly regarded by collectors. As with almost all his work it is unmarked, he always preferred to let his craftsmanship speak for itself.
Size: 27.5(w) x 12.2(d) x 16.3(h)
{gallery}DS1335{/gallery}
