Boldon over run with rodents!
The signature carved mouse
of Robert Thompson is seen on 23 items to be sold at Boldon Auction Galleries
on 24th June in our Fine Art and Antiques Sale.
Known as ‘Mouseman’ or
‘Mousey’ Thompson, this craftsman left a carved design of the creature on each
item that came out of his workshop in Kilburn, North Yorkshire. They enlivened his simple and utilitarian but
classic oak designs, which come up regularly at auction and usually prove very
popular.
Robert Thompson (1876-1955) was best known for making hand-crafted furniture but he also made candlesticks, candle boxes, ashtrays, cheeseboards and lamp bases. The business still thrives to this day.
So why carve a mouse? Robert
Thompson once explained: “The origin of the mouse as my mark was almost in the
way of being an accident. I and another carver were carving a huge cornice for
a screen and he happened to say something about being as poor as a church
mouse. I said I will carve a mouse here and did so, and then it struck me, what
a lovely trademark.”
From small items such as
barometers, wall clocks, stools, cheeseboards and ashtray to larger pieces such
as a rocking chair, mirror, Bachelor’s chest, coffee table, smoker’s chair,
hanging cabinet and oak refectory table and chairs there is something to suit
every budget.
