An 8cm English Oak Mouse on a Wedge, carved by Robert (Mouseman) Thompson (1876-1955) was the highlight of the 20th Century Design Sale at Tennants on Saturday 19th June. The mouse, carved on its haunches on a circular cheese wedge made £6,000 (plus buyer’s premium) against an estimate of £500-700.
Such smaller decorative pieces of Thompson’s work were in high demand by collectors and An English Oak Powder Bowl and Cover, circa 1948, of octagonal form, with carved mouse trademark to the cover, 10.5cm high achieved £4,800 (plus buyer’s premium) against an estimate of £1,000-1,500). The piece was amongst several made for Patricia Kirk of Kilburn, North Yorkshire, the bowl being commissioned for her 21st birthday in 1948. A wonderfully coloured Pair of English Oak Single Mouse Bookends, with wavy edge tops, 15.5cm high made £4,000 (plus buyer’s premium) against an estimate of £800-1,200.
Larger pieces from the Workshop of Robert Mouseman Thompson were also in demand. A bespoke panelled bar, complete with hinged door and overhanging glass rack, last used in the Kirkgate House Hotel in Thirsk made £1,800 (plus buyer’s premium)
