BUILDINGS that date back hundreds of years have been given a new lease of life to celebrate one of the region's most famous craftsmen.

An old blacksmiths' shop and two 16th Century cottages have been transformed into an extension to the visitor centre honouring Robert Thompson, the renowned "Mouseman" of Kilburn, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

He died in 1955, but his work can be found throughout the world in cathedrals and village churches, and thousands of tourists flock to the workshops, which still create furniture in his style.

Thompson earned his nickname because of the trademark mouse that featured on all his work, and the visitor centre looks not only at his work, but also at life in Kilburn.

His great grandson, Ian Thompson Cartwright, said: "The centre features one man's work from start to finish.

"It includes room settings recreating his own cottage, as well as an audio visual room looking out on to the very oaks that one day will become a classic piece of Robert Thompson furniture."

He scoured Britain to track down some of the Mouseman's finest pieces, and has bought them to feature in the new centre, which includes Thompson's original workshop.

The centre now has a growing number of school parties among its 30,000 visitors each year and more are expected with the development of the extension and adjoining restaurant.

Mr Thompson Cartwright said: "He was one of the country's greatest and most respected craftsmen, and we aim to celebrate his work and life. Back in the 19th Century, when he started his furniture business, he had a vision to combine a simple appreciation of real craftsmanship with a genuine love of English oak."

On show as well is the first mouse carved by Thompson, a self-taught craftsman who devised his trademark after one of his craftsmen said they were all as poor as church mice.

Published: 29/06/2004