Thomas ‘Gnomeman’ Whittaker, 2’ Oak Occasional Table

September 20, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1113

Circa 1960s

A lovely rectangular oak occasional side table of modest proportions, displaying Tom Whittaker’s distinctive artisan rustic charm and adzing to all visible sections. The top features a carefully selected piece of quarter sawn oak which displays superb golden medullary rays, contrasting wonderfully with the antique medium brown colour. The top is fixed by visible pegs onto two shaped and waisted end supports, joined by a pegged stretcher. All joints are solid with no movement, although there is a hairline wood split visible to the outer face of one end supports. A signature gnome is carved in recess to the middle edge of one end support.

Size: 60.5(w) x 29.5(d) x 37(h) cm

Thomas whittaker (1910 -1991) lived and worked in Littlebeck, near Whitby, North Yorkshire. His trademark gnome is carved onto all his work and was inspired by the legend 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

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Colin ‘Beaverman’ Almack, Oak and Leather Seated Stool

September 20, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1111

Circa 1960s

Rectangular, standing on four turned and carved square / octagonal legs, joined by stretchers. Solid joints with no movement and no evidence of damage or repair. An early signature beaver is carved in recess to the upper middle of one stretcher. The seat
top is a removable drop-in type, with a tan analine leather hide and webbing to the underside. The hide is is lovely condition with no tears or splits, just a little expected light staining commensurate with its age and normal usage. The leather has
been cleaned and conditioned, which should be maintained annually to ensure the leather remains supple. The frame was very dirty on acquisition but careful cleaning and re-waxing with clear wax has brought out the natural deep honey / nutty brown
colour and graining of the fumed oak.

Size: 39.5(w) x 31.5(d) x 47(h) cm.

Colin Almack was trained and worked at Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson’s workshop in Kilburn, but left in 1960 to set up his own business, Beaver Furniture. Although Colin has died the family business continues today with the same values and traditions,
led by his son-in-law David Clegg, himself a master craftsman.

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Colin ‘Beaverman’ Almack Pair of Oak Two Branch Wall Lights

September 20, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1107

Circa 1980s

A lovely pair of modern partially adzed, scallop edged oak double wall lights with brass fittings. The signature beaver carving is prominently placed in high relief to the side of each light. All complete including the wiring and wall fixing bracket to
the rear. Presented in superb condition with a lovely waxed deep honey colour.

Please note that the electrical connections to the mains circuit must be installed and tested by a qualified electrician.

Size: 27.5(w max) x 17(d) x 21.5(h)cm each.

Colin Almack was trained and worked at Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson’s but he left in 1960 and set up his own business, Beaver Furniture. Although Colin has died the family business continues today with the same values and traditions, led by his son-in-law
David Clegg, himself a master craftsman.

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Sid Pollard, Yorkshire Oak Book / Media Trough

September 20, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1115

Circa 1960s

A rare item to find from Sid Pollard, the first i’ve seen on the market in several years. Unused and stored away in the loft it is a genuine ‘attic find’ from a house clearance I was recently asked to advise on. After a clean and re-waxing it’s now in
superb condition, mature honey in colour, with no damage or staining. It is subtly adzed to all visible areas including the back and base, unlike modern Mouseman book troughs which are only adzed to the curved sides.

Size: 48.5(w) x 18(d) x 21.5(h)cm

Sid Pollard lived in Bagby near Thirsk, and was one of Robert Thompson’s early apprentices. His solo work is almost always unmarked, preferring to let his work speak for itself. After leaving Thompson’s he combined his solo work with the family building
firm, Pollard Builders. His solo work dates from the 40s through to his death in the early 80s.

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Thomas ‘Gnomeman’ Whittaker, Oak Carver Chair

September 20, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1118-2

Circa 1960

A solid and substantial carver chair from Tom Whittaker, in very good condition ready for immediate use, made in his distinctive rustic artisan style featuring upswept arms and stand on four square carved legs, joined by stretchers. The legs feature pegged joints and adzing to all visible surfaces. The back panel is also adzed, matching the dining chairs also offered for sale (Stock ref: DS1117). His trademark gnome is carved to the front leg of the chair. The seat retains the original leather hide, webbed to the undeerside and fastened to the frames with studding. The leather is good and fully useable, just two small hairline nicks into the leather (not gone through) and evidence of some old staining. The chair frame is strong and solid with no joint movement with old traces of a small amount of wood glue around some joints. The wood now presents in a warm aged colour matching the dining chairs also being offered for sale.

Size: 62(w) x 44(d) x 90.5(h)cm, maximum arm height 66cm.

Thomas whittaker (1910 -1991) lived and worked in Littlebeck, near Whitby, North Yorkshire. His trademark gnome is carved onto all his work and was inspired by the legend that a gnome is born each time an acorn germinates and will guard that tree throughout its life. His work is now 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

Please note that i am selling this chair on behalf of their owner, but they are in my possession for viewing and purchase by clients.

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Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson, Oak Nest of 3 Tables

September 19, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1103

Circa 1960

A versatile nest of three occasional tables with distinctive adzing to the tops and more subtly to the legs. Darker fumed from new it now presents with a lovely waxed antique medium brown colour. The colour on the largest nest has faded in the light over
the years, a little more than the two smaller tables which look as though they have hardly been used, and whose tops have no evidence of staining or marking. There is some evidence of previous staining to the top table commensurate with its age and everyday
usage, but it has now blended well with the graining and patination of the wood. Solid joints with no evidence of damage or repair. Signature mice are carved to the front leg of each table, the mouse on the middle table carved to the opposite leg of
the other two tables, which was common at the time.

Sizes: 61(w) x 37.5(d) x 47(h) L
50(w) x 31.3(d) x 42.5(h) M
39.3(w) x 26(d) x 36.5(h) S

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Recently Sold

Sid Pollard, Pair of Oak Spinning Chairs

September 13, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1106

Circa 1980

A rare and stunning pair of matched Sid Pollard Yorkshire Oak Spinning Chairs which feature chair backs carved especially for these chairs by the renowned ex Mouseman® master carver George (Dod) Weightman. George was the master carver at R. Thompson’s before Stan Dodd’s. George’s most acclaimed carving work is probably the bas-relief interpretation of Christ’s crucifiction transposed to a WW2 battlefield, to be found in the Green Howards Chapel within St Mary the Virgin church, Richmond, North Yorkshire. One chair features an owl with a mouse pray in its talons, the other a Kingfisher with a minnow in its beak. Both birds are superbly executed and are carved in relief in their natural background settings. The adzed seat is supported on four turned and carved legs, supported by cross stretchers.

Superb waxed finish in a deep honey colour, structurally solid with no loose joints.

Size: 14″ (w) x 16″(d) x 36 1/2″ h), seat height 18″. (35.5 (w) x 40.5(d) x 92 (h) cm)

Excellent provenance, part of a substantial collection of Sid’s furniture recently acquired from their original local owner, who was a personal friend of his, and who had all the items made to order between 1970 and 1980. They are only reluntantly being sold due to their emigration shortly.

Sid Pollard lived in bagby, near Thirsk, and was one of Robert Thompson’s early apprentices. His solo work is almost always unmarked, preferring to let his carftsmanship speak for itself. After leaving Thompson’s he combined his solo work with the family building firm, Pollard Builders. His solo work dates from the 40s through to his death in the early 80s.

The nearest equivalent spinning chair made today is Bob ‘Wrenman’ Hunters Thirlby Chair which costs £ 662.

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Thomas ‘Gnomeman’ Whittaker, Oak Spinning Stool

September 12, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1105

Circa 1960

A lovely example of Tom Whittaker’s craftsmanship, this traditional oak spinning stool features a shaped and adzed back with an inset carved image of an oak leaf and two intertwined mythical griffins. The dodecagon (12 sided) single plank seat is also
adzed and supports three substantial legs, his trademark gnome carved intricately to the lower front right leg. Both front legs feature visible wedged joints through the seat.

Super condition and colour, just the slightest wood shrinkage and movement to one front leg joint, noticeable in dry warm environments.

Size: 47(w) x 47(d) x 92(h) cm. Seat width 34.5cm.

Thomas whittaker (1910 -1991) lived and worked in Littlebeck, near Whitby, North Yorkshire. His trademark gnome is carved onto all his work and was inspired by the legend 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

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Recently Sold

Sid Pollard, Yorkshire Oak 3’6″ Blanket Box / Coffer

September 7, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1110

Circa 1980

A wonderful demonstration of craftsmanship and attention to detail inside and out. This blanket box / coffer is much rarer and more unusual than normally sold as the lid also features the same distinctive individually selected oak panelling,
pegging, chamfered edges and adzing as the front, back and sides. Not only is the entire framework adzed, each individual panel is too which harks back to the earliest construction techniques learn’t and used by Sid when he trained at Thompson’s.
To contain costs most modern made blanket boxes by R. Thompson’s and others now only feature adzing to the lid section, which itself is more cheaply made from a plain single or double planked top. The inside panels were varnished from new, as wax will
taint bedding and clothing, and still look pristine, the base is stained a darker oak colour. Externally the chest is golden oak coloured with no damage or significant staining,just some very minor light rubbing through on the lid of the original
finish, as would be expected in normal use.

Size: 42″ (w) x 15 3/4″ (d) x 20 1/2″ (h), 107 x 40 x 52 cm.

Excellent provenance, part of a substantial collection of Sid’s furniture i have acquired from their original local owner, who was a personal friend of his, and who had all the items made to order between 1970 and 1980. They are only reluctantly being
sold due to their emigration shortly.

Sid Pollard lived in Bagby, near Thirsk, and was one of Robert Thompson’s early apprentices. His solo work is almost always unmarked, preferring to be known for being unknown. After leaving Thompson’s he combined his solo work with the family building
firm, Pollard Builders. His solo work dates from the 40’s through to his death in the early 80’s.

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A second identical piece is available for sale, please contact me if you’d like to enquire further.

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Recently Sold

Sid Pollard, Yorkshire Oak Nest of 3 Occasional Tables

September 7, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1109

Circa 1980

A versatile set of 3 occasional nesting tables from Sid Pollard, one of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompsons early craftsmen. Now over 30 years old they are presented in fantastic ‘as new’ condition, having being extremely well look after from new. Golden oak
in colour with solid pegged joints and free from any damage, marks or stains, the two plank tops are adzed in typical yorkshire craftsman fashion. The two smaller tables are both the same size, fitting neatly under the larger table.

Size: largest table 25″ (w) x 13 3/4″ (d) x 17 3/4 (h), 63.5 x 35 x 45(h) cm.
2 x small tables 10 3/4″ (w) x 11 1/2″ (d) x 15″ (h), 27.5 x 29 x 38(h) cm.

Excellent provenance, part of a substantial collection of Sid’s furniture i have acquired from the original local owners, who were personal friends of his, and who had all the items made to order between 1970 and 1980. They are only reluctantly selling
due to emigrating shortly.

Sid Pollard lived in Bagby, near Thirsk, and was one of Robert Thompson’s early apprentices. His solo work is almost always unmarked, preferring to be known for being unknown. After leaving Thompsons he combined his solo work with the family building
firm, Pollard Builders. His solo work dates from the 40’s through to his death in the early 80’s.

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Recently Sold

Sid Pollard Yorkshire Oak 4’ Glazed Display Cabinet

September 7, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1108

Circa 1970

A superb example of his craftsmanship. Rectangular with an adzed top, two lead glazed doors to the front with fixed lead glazed panels to the centre and sides. The rear is fully panelled in solid oak and two 6mm thick glass shelves are fitted internally.
Sid’s distinctive wrought iron door and hinge fittings. Stunning condition with no damage or repairs. The top in particular has been lovingly waxed at regular intervals and has a wonderfully deep shine and is free from any staining or scratches. The
only light marks are on the botton inner shelf which has a few light glass ring marks from normal use.

Excellent provenance, this particular cabinet is believed to be one of only two that Sid made in this configuration.

Size: 47″(w) x 14 1/2″(d) x 33 1/4″(h), 119.5 (w) x 36.5(d) x 84.5(h)

It is part of a substantial collection of Sid Pollard’s furniture i have acquired privately from the original local owner, who was a personal friend of his, and who had all the items made to order between 1970 and 1980. They are only reluctantly
selling due to emigrating shortly. Other items will be put onto the website shortly but for a brief list of the items included please click on the enclosed link to the News Page of
my website. Please contact me for further details.

With the equivalent Mouseman® display cabinet now retailing at over £3,000 this is tremendous value at:

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Recently Sold

Arthur Romney Green, Arts and Crafts Oak 3 Shelf Display Unit

August 13, 2002 admin No Comments

Stock ref: DS1085

Circa 1910 – 1920

A rare Arthur Romney Green find, in the finest Cotswold School Arts and Crafts traditions of Ernest Gimson and Sidney Barnsley, bearing his distinctive diamond shaped motif which is carved to the front middle of each shelf. The free standing three tier
shelving unit is of modest overall proportions, making it ideal for modern home interiors, but the detailed chamfered leg design and exposed jointing is what makes it so special. There are no screw fixings used in the construction of this
piece at all, yet it remains solid and sturdy with no loose joints. All the jointing is exposed and through tennons are wedged, in the manner typical of those working in the Cotswold School traditions of the Arts and Crafts movement. The leg sections
feature typically long chamfers created with a spoke-shave or draw knife. Most interestingly the craftsman’s scribed measuring and punch marks remain visible in the wood around the jointed sections (see the images below).

It remains eminently useable for its original purpose as a display unit or small bookcase, and is in wonderful solid condition. The oak looks to have been finished originally with linseed oil before waxing and now presents with a lovely aged mellow colour
with superb graining and patina. I have recently re-waxed the piece. The only evidence of old repair i have found relates to a small inlay of wood into the centre of the top shelf and a small use of wood filler around the edges of a
couple of the joints.

Size: 60(w) x 25.5(d) x 74(h)cm

Arthur Romney Green (1872 – 1945) led a varied and interesting life decribing himself as ” craftsman woodworker, boat builder and sailor, mathematician, poet, chess player, social reformer, rebel, freiend and lover.” His furniture making career began in Haslemere, Surrey in 1904 following a visit to E. Gimson’s Sapperton workshops. He later moved to Christchurch, Hampshire where his ouput is acknowledged to be creatively and philosophically linked to the Cotswold School of Gimson and the Barnsley’s. He was joined by three other young craftsmen and designers, Stanley Webb Davies, Eric Sharpe and Robin Nance, all of whom went on to have successful careers of their own and were influential in the Arts and Crafts movement in later years.

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