THE GREAT NAMES OF YORKSHIRE OAK STAR IN SUMMER SALE

Posted on 16th June 2017

A collection of work by some of Yorkshire’s finest furniture makers will feature in our Summer Fine Art Sale on Tuesday 20 June, including pieces from the renowned Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson workshop, and other craftsmen who followed his lead. 

Robert Thompson (1876-1955) was part of the 1920’s revival of craftsmanship inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement led by William Morris, John Ruskin and William Carlyle. His workshop in Kilburn, North Yorkshire, is still run today by his descendants and the characteristic carved mouse on each piece of furniture has gained international recognition.

Thompson’s work inspired other furniture makers in the region – many of whom worked with him as apprentices – and they have collectively developed a distinctive style of English furniture making that has become highly collectible as investment pieces. 

One of these craftsmen was the late Sid Pollard, who is widely recognised as the best of the ex-Thompson furniture makers, and several pieces attributed to him are also included in the sale, along with work by Thomas Whittaker of Littlebeck and Colin Almack (Beaverman). 

One of the highlights of the collection is a fine Robert Thompson oak bookcase with four adjustable shelves. Measuring 122cm by 83cm, it carries a price estimate of £1,500 - £2,500. Another notable lot is a Yorkshire oak dining suite, comprising refectory table and eight lattice back chairs, attributed to Sid Pollard, estimated to achieve between £2,000 to £3,000. 

Smaller items include a Mouseman oak ashtray with a price estimate of £50-£80; a Sid Pollard Yorkshire oak three-tier tea trolley valued at £100-£200; and a pair of Mouseman bookends that carry a guide price of £220-£320.