Check for mice! Mouseman furniture to go under the hammer

 Several items of mid-20th century oak furniture featuring carved mice are to be sold at Chilcotts’ September sale - and they’re expected to sell for a high price.

‘Mouseman’ furniture was made by an English carpenter, Robert Thompson who was born in Kilburn, North Yorkshire in 1876. The son of a carpenter and stonemason, Thompson moved into the family business and found success with his now renowned designs.

The inspiration for his Mouseman furniture is reputed to have come from a fellow carver’s comments about those working in the trade being as ‘poor as a church mouse’. In response, Thompson carved a mouse, which then became the trademark for all his furniture, and thereafter he became known as Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson.

Auctioneer Duncan Chilcott says there are other clues to look out for. “As well as the carved mice, Mouseman pieces are identifiable by the dimpled – or adzed - surfaces, and dowel construction.”

The range was made from around 1919 and the pieces were so popular that Thompson established up a small furniture-making business, Robert Thompson’s Craftsmen Limited. The carpenters and joiners continued producing pieces using the same hand-made techniques as their founder.

“Mouseman furniture and objects are very sought-after among private collectors. Examples can also be found in public spaces such as the choir stalls at Durham University and a library at Rothschilds in London. There’s even a visitor centre at the Kilburn furniture workshop,” Duncan adds.

The furniture that is being sold by Chilcotts dates from the 1950s and 60s, collected by a Yorkshireman who had long admired the work of Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson.  On offer are a dining table with six dining chairs, including two carvers, a trolley, sideboard, blanket chest, rocking chair and fireside chair.

These items are valued at between £400 and £4,000 and are likely to sell well due to the rarity of such original pieces.

The Mouseman items will be auctioned in the Good Antiques & Home Interiors sale on September 10 at Chilcotts Dolphin Saleroom in Honiton High Street. Viewing from September 3.