'Mouseman' furniture coming under the hammer (From The Northern Echo)

'Mouseman' furniture coming under the hammer

7:06pm Monday 30th November 2009

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OAK furniture from a famous North workshop are expected to fetch thousands of pounds when they go under the hammer this week.

Barnard Castle auctioneers Addisons are selling 14 lots from ‘Mouseman’ Robert Thompson’s company in Kilburn, North Yorkshire Ranging from cheeseboards, ashtrays and tea trays to a valuable dining table and chairs, they are included in a Fine Art and Antiques Catalogue Sale on Saturday(5th December) starting at 11am.

David Elstob, auctioneer and valuer at Addison’s, said: "The work of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson has always been popular, particularly in this part of the country and we are lucky to have so many pieces from his workshop in this sale.

"The items represent the finest of British craftsmanship and span a broad time period from the 1920’s to the 1980’s."

A 90-year-old rectangular tea tray is valued up to £700 while a 7ft 1960’s dining table could fetch between £7,000 and £9,000.

Mr Thompson, who lived from 1986 to 1955 was part of the 1920’s craft revival. He was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement led by William Morris, John Ruskin and William Carlyle to set up his own furniture business in Kilburn.

His style was characterised by a carved mouse on almost every piece, thought to have come about following a conversation with a colleague about "being as poor as a church mouse".

The now famous trademark is still used today in the workshop which is run by his descendants.

View the sale catalogue on Error! Bookmark not defined. Viewing will be held on Thursday (December 3) from 9.30am - 7pm; Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm; and on sale day between 8.00am - 10.45am. Contact the saleroom on 01833-690545.

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