Circa 1973-79
Large, rare and highly collectable lamp base glazed in green, ivory and brown, modelled on each side with different bold abstract designs. Made at the Newyln factory in Cornwall and bearing the artists mark for Avril Bennett, who worked for the factory
from 1973-79. Superb original condition with no chips, scratches or restoration.
Size: 37cm(h) x 18.5cm(w).
{gallery}DS1018{/gallery}
Circa 1900
Dark blue Art Nouveau glass vase, believed to be of German or Austrian origin, but unmarked. Embellished with a pewter overlay stylistically cast as foliage. The pewter is inlaid with blue glass cabochons, all of which are present. Excellent original
condition with no chips, cracks or signs of any restoration.
Size: 30cm(h) x 10cm(w).
{gallery}DS1013{/gallery}
Circa 1970’s
A two tier tea trolley / side table of rectangular form with two adzed shelves and retaining its original Shepard castors. For added versatility the top section is detachable for use as a small table or tray. Carved acorn trademark to the top front leg.
Size: 64.5(w) x 42(d) x 65.5(h)cm.
Excellent condition with no damage or stain marks and honey coloured.
Alan Grainger founded Acorn Industries in Brandsby, North Yorkshire in the late 1950’s. Business expanded in the 60‘s/70‘s, up to 7 craftsmen. Ceased trading in 2005 on the retirement of Derek Grainger, when just 2 craftsmen remained
{gallery}DS1022{/gallery}
Circa 1940’s
An outstanding early example of Tom Whttaker’s craftsmanship. A twelve sided coffee / occasional table of traditional pegged construction, with an adzed top, standing on three adzed and slightly curved legs. His trademark gnome is carved into the
corner of one leg.
Size: 48cm(dia) x 40cm(h).
Superb condition and richly patinated in a golden/nutty brown colour derived from natural aging and waxing. The top, produced from a single piece of oak is wonderfully grained.
Tom Whittaker (1910 to 1991) lived and worked in Littlebeck, near Whitby, North Yorkshire. 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.
{gallery}DS1012{/gallery}
Circa 1970’s
Rectangular form with two flat shelves, each carved from a single piece of Oak. Four square uprights with pointed finials, on the top of one sits a lovely trademark signature carved mouse in highly visible relief. Sold by Thompson’s as a dinner wagon/trolley, but they are so versatile and have many other storage and display uses around the home.
Dating to the 1970’s it has been sympathetically cleaned and re-waxed. Golden brown in colour with beautiful graining patterns it has been treated to a new set of Shepard castors purchased from R. Thompson’s and is now ready for another 40 years of use.
Size: 47(w) x 33(d) x 2(h) cm
{gallery}DS1008{/gallery}
Circa early 1960’s
A set of 4 chairs each having a rectangular open back with pierced hand carved interwoven lattice panel, with what looks to be the original leather cow hide seats. The legs are octagonal turned and carved with square block feet, joined by stretchers and an inset rush rail. Each chair bears a signature mouse carved in high relief on one of the legs.
The size and positioning of the rush rail confirms the manufacturer of these chairs pre 1970. ( The rush rail was set back in the late 50’s to aid more comfortable feet placement when in use, it was the same height as the two side stretchers until 1970, after which it has always been several millimetres lower).
Sourced from a farming family in the Harrogate area.
Excellent condition, frames golden coloured, all with sound joints. The leather is in remarkably good condition with only minor creasing, and conditioning twice a year will ensure the leather remains supple and usable for many years to come.
Size: 85(h) cm.
{gallery}DS1016{/gallery}
Circa mid 30’s / late 40’s
On four carved and adzed octagonal legs joined by stretchers, with a signature carved mouse to one of the legs and typical exposed dowel jointing. Presented in superbly polished condition with a wonderfully aged chestnut brown patina, the result of many years of maturation and waxing.
Importantly it has rarely been sat on so it retains its original hand cut and nailed woven lattice leather seat top, which is untorn and has only minimal marking and stretching. So often this has been replaced, reducing value considerably to collectors. The use of a good leather conditioner twice a year will keep the leather supple, ensuring a long life.
Size: 34.5(w) x 27(d) x 37(h) cm
{gallery}DS1002{/gallery}
Circa 1960‘s/70’s
Rare and unusual Arts and Crafts inspired stool which R.Thompson’s have confirmed to me was only sold in the 60’s and early 70’s. It features three octagonal carved legs, a lightly adzed oval seat of larger diameter than is found on
standard cow/calf stools, and a shaped, lightly adzed and pierced seat back with a carved mouse running up the side. The seat and back are each carved from a single piece of 1 1/4 “ thick Oak. The back is strongly secured with exposed mortice &
tennon joints and through dowels. The leg joints are also visible in the seat top and are strong and secure with only minimal movement, as is usual with this leg fixing. Wax polished with a deep golden colour and highlighted graining that is now maturing
wonderfully.
Size: 40(w) x 33(d) x 84(h) cm
{gallery}DS1003{/gallery}
Circa 1970
Rare and extremely versatile adzed oak desk or small sideboard of canted rectangular form with a hinged folding top, supported on push/pull extending lopers, each carved with large signature mice in high relief. Two drawers with adzed surfaces and wrought
iron tear drop handles, below which are two panelled cupboard doors enclosing shelving. Traditional wrought iron latches and hinges. The unit sits on turned and carved facetted feet. In stunning condition with lovely colour and patina, very minor marking
to the folding top. Carefully used and regularly waxed all its life. This item can still be bought new from R.Thompson’s, albeit with modern metal fittings, retailing at £4760. Always a sound investment, but it will take many years for the
wood to develop the rich patina of this example.
{gallery}DS1011{/gallery}
Circa 1940’s/50’s
Kidney shaped and craftsman carved from a single piece of quarter sawn English Oak which enhances the grain pattern, with two carved mice forming the handles. Adzed surfaces and rim which reflect the light and colour beautifully. Very dirty and dull on
acquisition, a gentle cleaning and re-waxing has revealed a stunning rich chestnut colour and graining across the base of the tray. Some extremely light scratch marking from normal usage, almost invisible and only serves to confirm the genuine antiquity
and loving usage of this tray by its original Thirsk owners. The colour and patina makes this a superb addition to any serious Mouseman collection.
Size: 47(w) x 33(d) x 2(h) cm
{gallery}DS1001{/gallery}
