Robert Thompson, aka Mouseman (England), furniture & decorative items

Robert Thompson, known as Mouseman, was a British furniture maker who lived from 1876 to 1955. He was born and raised in the village of Kilburn, North Yorkshire, England, where he set up a business manufacturing oak furniture. His furniture is known for its simple, yet elegant designs, and for the carved mouse that he incorporated into almost every piece.

Thompson was born into a family of craftsmen. His father was a carpenter and stonemason, and Thompson learned the trade from him at a young age. He was also a self-taught artist, and he developed a love of carving.

In 1919, Thompson received a commission from Ampleforth College to make furniture for Ampleforth Abbey. This was his first major commission, and it helped to establish his reputation as a skilled furniture maker. He went on to make furniture for many other churches, schools, and private residences.

Thompson's furniture more... is characterized by its simple, yet elegant designs. He often used traditional English styles, such as Jacobean and Georgian. His furniture is also known for its high quality and craftsmanship. He used only the finest oak, and he took great care in finishing his pieces.

Thompson's trademark mouse carving first appeared in 1919, when he was working on the commission for Ampleforth Abbey. He is said to have carved a mouse onto a church screen after a conversation with one of his apprentices about being "as poor as a church mouse". The mouse carving quickly became a popular feature of Thompson's furniture, and it gave him the nickname "Mouseman".

Thompson's furniture is now highly sought-after by collectors. His pieces are often sold at auction for thousands of pounds. His workshop in Kilburn is now a museum and visitor centre, where visitors can learn about Thompson's life and work. less...