Mouseman

A mouse in the home is usually an unwanted situation, however, the mice on the Mouseman furniture are a wanted fixture in many homes.

Robert Thompson (1876-1955) was born in Kilburn, North Yorkshire, where he took over his family’s carpentry business. Robert, a very skilled craftsman, preferred traditional techniques to create his furniture. His business was popular and sought after for many commissions, particularly for ecclesiastical furniture. This is how he stumbled upon his trademark. The sole reason for the mouse being Robert’s signature is because when making the fittings for Ampleforth Abbey, a carver he was working with had mentioned ‘Being as poor as church mice’, which led to Robert carving a small mouse into the wood they were carving during lunch.

This sparked something in Robert. A carved mouse soon became his trademark featuring in all of his future furniture. It is said that the mouse represents ‘industry in quiet places’. The moniker is usually hidden and carved in the corners or crevices of his work, such as on the legs of tables or the sides of pews.

Mouseman Design

The Arts and Crafts revival movement was sweeping the nation around the time Thompson was creating his own style, as can be apparent in his work with the detailing and beauty of the items produced, along with the duality of it also being sturdy and well-made.

During the time of his carpentry, newer machinery was available to use, however Thomspon refused such tools as he preferred the traditional techniques. One of the traditional tools was an ‘adze’. This is still used to this day to create the polished finish the brand is known for creating. An adze is a versatile tool, that has been used for thousands of years to create and carve the wood.

The oak used in Mouseman’s workshop is seasoned for five to eight years before it is carved into anything. This ensures the longevity of the product can last generations.

These key elements are what make the Mouseman products worth their money - they last. This is why the workshop flourished in the way it did, with commission after commission, gaining in popularity.

Mouseman Critters

Some of the apprentices who worked under Robert were inspired to create their trademarks. Re-imagining themselves as their businesses and designs. These makers are known as The Yorkshire Critters.

Easy to spot, each has its moniker that usually ends with ‘man’ like Mouseman. Examples include Bob ‘Wrenman’ Hunter, Colin ‘Braverman’ Almack and Malcolm ‘Foxman’ Pipes. They are all still highly sought after because of the skills and techniques they have learnt under Robert.

Modern Acclaim

Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson has created a legacy that will not be tested with modern invention. The high-quality oak and craftmanship is heavily sought after, with a record-breaking price of £70,000 for a Mouseman piece being auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York.

Thompson’s designs are still celebrated for their ingenuity and are still held to high acclaim to this day, complementing any home with such furniture wares.

Mouseman in Auction

Antiques, Fine Art & Collectables | Monday 9th December 2024

Viewing times (ID required):

Birmingham

Friday 6th December 10:00-16:00

Monday 9th December 8:30-10:00

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