Stock ref: DS2874
Circa early 1920s
A stunning and very rare bespoke commissioned early solid oak 5’5″ sideboard / cupboard by Robert ‘Mousman’ Thompson of Kilburn. Of adzed all over rectangular form with a twin planked top with curved tails carved to the front corner edges, standing on four legs with decorative chamfers to the inside front. To the front, a fixed central panel with ornate decorative carving and latched doors either side, again with intricate decorative scrolled carving, opening to reveal the inner storage areas. Complimented by wrought iron latches and hinges. Single adzed side panels with twin plank panels to the rear. An early signature mouse with raised head is carved to one side leg, likely to be one of the rare instances of being a later addition, when numerous other items where commissioned for the family and after Robert had developed his now famous mouse signature, thought to be in 1923/24, but not trade registered until 1931.
Beautiful colour and patina, some expected slight plank joint splitting to the ends of the top and in one of the rear planks. Slight traces of a bowl or large vase being placed centrally on the top which we decided to leave as removal may have been detrimental to the colour and patina.
The design inspiration for this unique piece is heavily influenced by a 15th century piece in Louth church, Lincolnshire, now known as ‘Sudbury’s Hutch’, so named having been donated to the church by vicar Thomas Sudbury. Robert clearly admired the medieval craftsmanship of this particular piece as he also went on to produce his own replica copy of ‘Sudbury’s Hutch’, possibly for another client, copying the original carvings of Henry V11 and Elizabeth of York in the door panels, together with the tudor roses of the Houses of Lancaster and York. Bought back many years later by Robert Thompson’s descendent’s, it now has pride of place in their workshop museum at Kilburn. Enclosed in the image montage below are photographs of the original 15th C piece and Robert Thompson’s replica from circa 1930; the design influences are striking.
Excellent provenance, from the estate of James Thompson-Schwab of Kingfield House, Penton, Cumbria whose parents and grandparents were very early clients of Robert’s and commissioned a significant number of pieces, several of which we have been fortunate to acquire.
Size: 165(w) x 59.5(d) x 80(h)cm
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