Stock ref: DS2707

Circa 1960s/70s

Without doubt the best carved figure  we’ve seen come to market in many years from Thomas ‘Gnomeman’ Whittaker of Littlebeck, near Whitby. Purchased privately from the original owner who bought it directly from Tom’s workshop in 1979, although it is believed to have been made much earlier.  Tom was appartently very reluctant to sell it and named it ‘The wood Carrier’. It’s a most impressive and well observed  piece standing 37.5(cm tall, all tool carved in the ‘Yorkshire Critters’ tradition from a solid block of oak in Tom’s  typically rustic style with a signature gnome carving to the rear of the  plinth  section which has a leather base. We’ve photographed it next to a Mouseman 10″ Table Lamp so that clients can put it’s size into context.

Superb condition and colour, cleaned and re-waxed in our workshop, just the expected minor evidence of natural wood splitting in the oak.

A top collector’s piece.

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 identify 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: 13.5(w) x 13(d) x 37.5(h)cm

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