Circa 1970s
An excellent example of the solid oak Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson Serving Tray of typical kidney shaped form, adzed tray with raised lip all around the upper side, twin signature mouse handles to each side. Lovely graining patterns from the quarter sawn oak.
Wonderful condition, just one small indent in the wood noted on the tray. Lighter fumed from new it presents with a rich golden oak colour.
Size: 46(w) x 32.5(d) x 2.5(h)cm
1937
A superb example of an early 4′ wide solid oak Double Wardrobe by Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson with twin doors, castellated top, adzed panelling to all visible sides with many of the front facing panels in burr oak, inner hanging rail, shelving and full length mirror. Traditional wrought iron fittings with the very early square headed screws, a number of the inlaid panels wonderfully burred. Excellent mouse carving in low relief to one upper side.
Superb condition and rich depth of waxed and aged colour.
Purchased privately from the original Cumbrian owners family, together with a photocopy of the original invoice and payment receipt.
Size: 122(w) x 58(d) x 184(h)cm
Circa 1960s
An excellent example of the highly popular solid English oak 3′ refectory style Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson Coffee Table. Features an adzed single plank top supported on two octagonally carved baluster legs with sledge feet, joined by a central lower stretcher, a lovely signature mouse in high relief to one leg.
Excellent condition following a sympathetic clean and refinish with a rich darker fumed original colour.
Privately sourced from the original owners family who we purchased a number of items from dat from the 1930s through to the 1960s.
Size: 91.5(w) x 38(d) x 45(h)cm
1993
A ‘Yorkshire School’ oak leaf form fruit dish / tray handcrafted, signed and dated to the base by Norman Huckle. His name is not familiar to us so we have to confess we don’t know if he is a trained ex craftsman from one of the recognised ‘Yorkshire Critter’ workshops or a local amateur craftsman. It’s a well made piece, adzed and tooled all over with no known losses. David will be pleased to hear from anyone with any further information on the maker.
Size: 35(w) x 37(d) x 3.5(h)cm
Circa 1950/51
A superb large earlier oak table top stand mirror from the Kilburn workshops of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson. Adzed to all visible surfaces with halfpenny moulding to the top of the swing mirror framework. Octagonally carved and moulded side supports, joined by a lower rail with a superb signature mouse carved centrally in low relief, standing on arched feet.
Excellent condition with a naturally aged and waxed medium fume.
Known to be made in 1950/51 as part of a commission of bedroom furniture to furnish the original owners son’s university accommodation.
Size: 59.5(w) x 20(d) x 72.59h)cm
Circa 1990s/2000
Hand carved octagonal wall mounted barometer with signature mouse in high relief to the top right hand edge. Correct modern high quality German doppeldose twin diaphragm barometer movement in a brass surround. Wall mounting bracket to the rear.
Excellent medium fume giving a honey coloured oak, clean with no staining or damage.
We would warn buyers to be aware of the numerous fakes made using cheap Chinese movements attached to the cheaper and smaller octagonal Mouseman pot stand !
Size: 21.5(dia) x 5(d)cm
Circa 1930s/40s
An excellent example of the earlier made Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson Oak Cheeseboard which features a large mouse carved to the platter and the taller curved handle. To reduce the risk of handle breakage the mouse carving was moved in around 1960 onto the handle neck area to help strengthen it. Over the subsequent decades, as thinner oak was used, the handle and mouse carving height was also reduced.
Wonderful aged patina and darker fumed colour to the wood, some minor knife cuts on the board to evidence earlier usage as originally intended.
Size: 37(l) x 18(w) x 4.5(h)cm
1974
A Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson Oak Fire Screen of rectangular form on sledge feet with a pierced handle, carved finial side posts and a fine trademark mouse carved in high relief to the top edge. A handcrafted inset wool tapestry below depicting ‘The Shambles’ in York set behind a glazed pane with rear panelling.
Excellent condition with no damage or faults and a rich medium fumed colour to the wooden frame.
Provenance: gifted as a wedding present to the former owners in 1974 by Shayna Cartwright, a member of the Robert Thompson’s family.
Size: 40.5(w) x 25(d) x 83(h)cm
Circa 1950s / 1960s
A superb example of the sought after solid oak Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson Horseshoe Pin Dish / Tray sized around an actual horseshoe. It presents in superb condition with a large well defined mouse carving.
Size: 12.5(W) x 11.3(d) x 5(h)cm
Circa late 1970s
Rare to market, made in very limited numbers and presented in exceptional condition. Always a wonderful subject it is beautifully observed with amazing attention to detail and carved with a trademark mouse carved to the rear in high relief.
Commonly thought to have been carved by Stan Dodd’s, but discussions with Robert Thompson’s in 2015, when we bought another example, confirm that they commissioned retired ex mouseman master craftsman and noted carver George Weightman to produce these otters in limited numbers in the late 1970s as he was particularly well regarded for his natural artistic ability. George, known as ‘Dodd’ to his fellow craftsmen was the main specialist carver at Robert Thompson’s prior to Stan and tutored him as he developed his own carving skills.
Size: 29(l) x 6.7(w) x 11.5(h)cm
1995
A classic oak rocking chair in excellent condition from the Kilburn workshops of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson. Two lattice carved panels to the rear with arms supported by carved octagonal front legs, a trademark mouse carved in high relief to one. Original cow hide seat secured with antiqued brass upholstery studding and original fire safety compliance label to the underside dated 12/4/95.
Presented in superb condition free from any staining or damage in a medium fumed rich colour.
Size: 98(h)cm at rest.
Circa 1960s
An excellent example of Tom Whittaker’s traditional rustic craftsmanship, this traditional oak occasional / coffee table features a circular adzed top with wonderfully detailed guilloche banding. The top supported on three curved legs with Tom’s signature gnome carved in relief to one leg
Wonderful condition and colour, cleaned and re-waxed in our workshop, just a barely visible feint trace of minor scratch marking in the centre of the table.
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: 54 (dia) x 43(h)cm
