Stock ref: DS1800
Circa 1960s/80
A superb carved oak Mahout and Indian Elephant, beautifully observed pushing a large log with its trunk and carved by Stan Dodds. The elephant, handler and log are carved from a solid block of oak, the carving screw mounted to a replaced baize lined and tooled base. Thought to be one of only two ever made the date of carving is the subject of some conjecture, but the second example, a known R. Thompson’s commission, dates to the early 1980s
Excellent condition and provenance, from Stan’s own personal collection and estate, found wrapped in 1969 newspaper with the original design drawn in pencil to the rear of a 1961 calendar page.
Stan Dodds 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 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. He sadly passed away in early 2012.
Size: 23(w) x 10(d) x 20(h)cm
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