Auction of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson work at Tennants

The event, organised by Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, will take place on June 13 and marks the 150th anniversary of Mr Thompson’s birth by honouring his legacy of hand-carved oak furniture, each piece distinguished by its trademark mouse motif.

Diane Sinnott, Mouseman specialist at Tennants Auctioneers, said: “Having worked with Mouseman for over thirty years, I am absolutely thrilled to be celebrating this milestone anniversary with what is set to be a landmark sale”.

Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson, English Oak Newel Posts – Estimate; £2,000-3,000 (Image: Tennants)

The auction will feature 300 lots of Mouseman furniture and carvings, drawing from three major private collections as well as additional contributions from other vendors.

Among the items on offer is a rare English oak carving of Fighting Stallions, with an estimated value of £8,000 to £12,000.

The North Yorkshire Collection, assembled over a decade by a dedicated collector, includes several rare pieces, sourced directly from the Mouseman workshop in Kilburn or through auction houses.

Workshop of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson, English Oak ‘Six Mouse’ Bowl – Estimate:£2,000-3,000 (Image: Tennants)

Another standout item is an oak carving of Racing Greyhounds, estimated at £4,000 to £6,000.

Other pieces up for auction include a selection of furniture, monk’s chairs, tables, bookends and a rare steamer deck chair dating back to the 1920s or 1930s.

The auction will also feature items from the former Mouseman-fitted interior of Stone Lodge on Skipton Road in Silsden.

Completed in 1953 and since demolished, the house included oak panelling, a fireplace, doors and newel posts, all crafted by Thompson’s workshop, and will now be offered to collectors and enthusiasts.

Viewing will be held at Tennants Auctioneers on June 11 and June 12.

Robert Thompson (1876-1955) built his workshop in the small North Yorkshire village of Kilburn and embodied the ethos of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Drawing inspiration from medieval craftsmen, Thompson developed a distinctive style rooted in tradition and individuality.

He famously incorporated a carved mouse into every piece, a detail that became his enduring signature.

Mr Thompson described the inspiration behind the motif, saying: “I though how a mouse manages to scrape and chew away the hardest wood with its chisel-like teeth, and it works quietly; nobody takes much notice.

“I thought that was maybe like this workshop hidden away in the Hambleton Hills.

“It is what you might call industry in quiet places, so I put the mouse on all my work”.

Thompson created in a time when mass production threatened to overshadow traditional handcrafting, yet he continued to produce unique furniture using native oak and time-honoured methods.

Each item from his workshop is known for its character and individuality.

The Mouseman sale will take place alongside Tennants’ 20th Century Design Sale and Modern and Contemporary Art Sale on the same day, providing collectors an opportunity to explore a range of distinctive and historical pieces.

A fully illustrated catalogue for the auction is available on the Tennants Auctioneers website.

More information about the sale and the legacy of Mouseman Thompson can be found at www.tennants.co.uk or by contacting their team directly at 01969 623780.