Stock ref: DS1330

Circa late 1950s / early 60s

A lovely example of Tom Whittaker’s craftsmanship, this traditional oak spinning stool features a shaped and adzed back with an inset carved tudor rose. The dodecagon (12 sided) single plank seat is also adzed and supports three substantial legs, his
trademark gnome carved intricately to the lower front left leg. Both front legs feature  visible wedged joints through the seat.

Super colour, there’s been some wood shrinkage and splitting to the rear underside joints in the past which we’ve had professionally repaired by a former Mouseman craftsman to ensure the stool is solid and usable.

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: 42(w) x 43.5(d) x 87.5(h)cm

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