1933
A superb bespoke commissioned solid oak Robert Mouseman Thompson Pen Tray of rectangular form with two pen compartments and centrally carved signature mouse. The outer edges with finely detailed gothic stle carving and the date 1933 centrally positioned in high relief.
Superb condition and colour.
Provenance: bespoke commissioned to celebrate the birth of Yvonne Houghton (nee Ince), born 1st August 1933.
Size: 22.5(w) x 9.3(d) x 4.5(h)cm
{gallery}DS2724{/gallery}
Circa late 1950s / 1960s
A very rare and unusual solid oak Stan Dodds ‘Rabbitman’ Trinket Box, an early example of Stan Dodds’ solo work, made whilst he was still working full-time at Robert Thompson’s, and before Peter Heap later trademark protected the rabbit in 1970 as his own carved signature. Of rectangular adzed form with an exquisitely carved rabbit to the hinged lid with a handcarved and tooled interior.
Excellent condition and colour.
Provenance, from Stan Dodds’ personal estate.
Stan Dodds (1928-2012) worked at Robert Thompson’s from 14 years of age in 1942 up to retirement in 1994, taking over the role of master carver from his mentor George Weightman in the 1960s, and responsible for most of their best carvings in recent decades. His unique skill and craftsmanship is increasingly being recognised by collectors who seek out his distinctive mouse signature, as well as his own rabbit and later woodpecker signature. In retirement he undertook regular part-time carving work for a number of the Yorkshire Critters craftsmen, most notably Wilf and Trevor at Squirrel Furniture.
Stan married his wife Norma in 1960. Norma was the niece of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson’s granddaughter-in-law. The newly married couple were given the use of a Thompson’s owned house in nearby Osgodby. Here Stan set up his own small workshop ‘out the back’ where he made fine carvings in his spare time. The carvings that Stan produced under his own name with either a rabbit or woodpecker signature, both during his years at Kilburn and after his retirement, are particularly fine. The level of detail and refinement in Stan’s carving is testament to his skill and deep understanding of wood. Today, he and George Weightman are regarded as Robert Thompson’s best ever carvers, their work appreciated by avid collectors of Mouseman around the world, whether produced for Robert Thompson’s or in their own spare time for personal use or resale.
Size: 18.5(w) x 9.5(d) x 7(h)cm
{gallery}DS2730{/gallery}
Circa 1980s
A wonderful example of the popular 3′ refectory style solid oak Coffee table from the workshops of Robert ‘ Mouseman’ Thompson of traditional rectangular form with an adzed top supported on twin baluster carved legs with sledge feet joined by a floor stretcher. An excellent signature carved mouse to one leg.
Wonderful condition and colour.
Size: 91(w) x 37(d) x 44(h)cm
{gallery}DS2598{/gallery}
Circa 1970s/80s
An excellent example of the four legged version of the popular solid oak Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson Cow Stool. Features a double kidney shaped seat, subtly adzed and dished, supported on four octagonally carved, tapering and splayed legs, jointed and wedged through the seat.
Excellent condition and colour, with tight leg joints.
Size: 40(w) x 35(d) x 45(h)cm
{gallery}DS2739{/gallery}
Circa 1960s
An excellent example of the solid oak Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson 2 Tier Serving Trolley. Of typical rectanugular form with two heat resistant shelves, supported on four square legs and feet with shaped finials and a signature mouse carved to the top of one. Standing on its original Shepherd castors.
Excellent clean condition and original colour, gently cleaned and wax polished in our workshop.
Size: 86(w) x 38.5(d) x 75(h)
{gallery}DS2681{/gallery}
Circa 1940s
An excellent example of the popular solid oak four legged Robert Mouseman Thompson Stool with an interwoven leather seat. Of rectangular form with four octagonally carved legs, joined by lower stretchers and a signature mouse carving to one leg. Original and still very taught interwoven leather seat with no loss or repairs evident. The frame joints are solid and the whole piece presents in excellent waxed condition and colour. We’ve reconditioned the leather.
Size: 34(w) x 26.5(d) x 36(h)cm
{gallery}DS2740{/gallery}
Circa 1930s
Very rare, possibly unique but without doubt the most impressive early Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson solid oak Fruitbowl we’ve seen. Its adzed and scalloped/wavy edged octagonal form would have taken many times more man hours of hand carving to make than a standard circular adzed bowl. The early detailed mouse carving on the exterior is superb too. Sadly we don’t know it’s history but if anyone out there can provide any information we’ll be delighted to hear from you.
Superb colour and patina, excellent condition with no damage or repair.
Simply…… the best.
Size: 25(dia) x 7.5(h)cm
{gallery}DS2736{/gallery}
Circa 1980s
An excellent 10″ diameter solid oak Quartz Wall Clock from the ex mouseman craftsman David ‘Oakleafman’ Langstaff. Octagonal form with a 8″ clock face in a brass surrround. Adzed to the front with scalloped edges and David’s signature oakleaf carving.
Excellent working condition with a new replacement German quartz movement.
Size: 25.5(w) x 4.5(d) x 25.5(h)cm
{gallery}DS2703{/gallery}
1980
An excellent example of the Robert Thompson ‘Mouseman’ 5′ tall solid oak Cheval Mirror with a traditional half penny moulded top and oak frame supported by two octagonally carved side supports and standing on sledge feet. A good trademark mouse is carved in high relief to the top of the right sided foot.
Excellent condition and colour, sourced privately locally.
Size: 63(w) x 30.5(d) x 152.5(h)cm
{gallery}DS2658{/gallery}
Circa 2007-10
A superb solid panelled oak Fire Screen by the ex mouseman craftsman Gavin ‘Lilyman’ Kirkbride of Brompton, Northallerton. Lovely curved shaped top with inlaid panels below standing on sledge feet and Gavin’s trademark arum lily carved to a front upper side frame edge.
Superb condition and colour, following a gentle clean and re-wax.
Provenance: Susan & Dennis Exley Collection, avid collectors of the Yorkshire craftsmen’s work from the 1970s to 2000s. Sue supported Gavin in his early solo days so these pieces represent some of his earliest commissions.
Having had a keen interest in woodwork from a young age Gavin went to work as an apprentice at Robert Thompson’s after leaving school in 1992. His career at Thompson’s spanned 15 years and saw him qualify as a highly skilled craftsman. He established his own business in Northallerton in 2007, the business name inspired by the birth of his first child, daughter Lily. As an ex mouseman craftsman and inspired by the ethos and traditions acquired there, Gavin now makes bespoke hand crafted solid oak furniture and joinery to clients specifications, each piece carved with an Arum Lily, a symbol of peace and serenity. Personally recommended by David, Gavin is also generous of his skills and time to our own business. Having known each other well for over 12 years, he’s the ex mouseman craftsman David turns to when repair work or restoration advice is needed on our own stock pieces.
Size: 55(w) x 17.5(d) x 68.5(h)cm
{gallery}DS2683{/gallery}
Circa 1929-32
A beautifully aged and patinated early Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson Dressing Stool, complete with its original leather hide stretched over the frame. The stool of rectangular form with adzing all over, standing on four carved square and octagonally carved legs, an exceptional early mouse carving to the facet of one leg.
Excellent original condition, rich depth of aged colour.
Excellent Provenance: commissioned and made between 1929-1932 for the nun’s at St. Joseph’s Convent, Haunton Hall, Staffordshire. The stool was part of a nun’s simply furnished room set comprising of a single bed, single wardrobe, dressing chest and…….. a stool. Robert Thompson’s archives for this commission indicate all the items were designed by Robert himself and that, out of respect for the nun’s, he was directly involved himself in making a large number of the pieces, together with his craftsmen.
This stool, the second of two we have acquired, formed part of lot 788, sold at Morphets Auctioneers, Harrogate, 6/9/2018. Lot hammer price, excl buyers premium £ 20,000.
Enclosed is a link to Haunton Hall which details their ‘Mouseman’ connection. https://hauntonvillage.co.uk/haunton-hall/
Size: 38(w) x 33(d) x 43(h)cm
{gallery}DS2722{/gallery}
Circa 1980s / early 90s
An excellent and unusual pair of 13″ tall solid oak display stands, each with a signature wren sitting on the top, from the ex mouseman craftsman Robert (Bob) ‘Wrenaman’ Hunter of Thirlby near Thirsk. Ideal for displaying larger plates, photos, pictures etc.
Superb condition and colour and no damage to the carved wrens.
Provenance: Susan & Dennis Exley Collection, avid collectors of the Yorkshire craftsmen’s work from the 1970s to 2000s.
Size: 22.5(w) x 20.5(d) x 33.5(h)cm
{gallery}DS2695{/gallery}
