“From a single acorn to a finished piece of beautifully hand-crafted oak furniture. One man’s work from start to finish.” – Robert “Mousey” Thompson, also known as “The Mouseman of Kilburn”.
Mouseman Furniture is a renowned British brand, celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and distinctive designs. Established in the 1920s by Robert “Mousey” Thompson, the company has built a legacy around high-quality oak furniture that features the iconic mouse motif carved into each piece. This unique branding not only signifies authenticity but also reflects the meticulous attention to detail that characterises Mouseman’s work.
A brief history:
Born in May 1876 in Kilburn, North Yorkshire, Robert Thompson was initially trained as an apprentice engineer before returning to the family business under the guidance of his father, who was the village carpenter and stonemason. Around 1911 Thompson started producing furniture wares for the locals, and in 1921 he was commissioned by Fr Paul Nevill to make the furniture for Ampleforth College’s Abbey. One of Thompsons most timeless designs was produced during this period, the Monk’s chair, which is still in production and remains highly sought after.
His work was well received resulting in an influx of future projects both at the college and further afield for the remainder of his career. Thompson dedicated his life to the exceptional craftsmanship of English oak furniture to produce incredibly high-quality pieces. Although he died in December 1955, Robert Thompson’s Craftsmen Ltd is still based in Kilburn and the workshop remains active to this day; producing commissions and reproductions, there is also a museum and visitor centre.
Arts & Crafts era:
Thompson was highly influenced by the Medieval Age and Gothic style, symbolic of a period where craftsman had the freedom of creation, working with clear simple lines to create furniture that emanates beauty as well as functionality. His ethos coincided with the Arts and Crafts movement which had gained significant momentum at the time, in a move to reject mass produced pieces.
Works of Art:
Mouseman furniture is crafted using traditional methods and ancient tools, to produce wares that are prized for their exceptional quality, honest construction and enduring durability. The timbers used are naturally seasoned (the process of correctly drying timber to remove moisture) for a minimum of seven years, which ensures the wood is strong enough to last for generations. Nowadays most commercially available solid wood is seasoned in a kiln, the result is an inferior stability under humidity and temperature changes.
While Thompson’s distinctive carved mouse was only registered as a trademark in 1931, it can be found on pieces attributed as far back as 1924. In a letter to the Revd. John Fisher in 1949 Robert Thompson wrote “The origin of the mouse as my mark was almost in the way of being an accident. I and another carver were carving a huge cornice for a screen and he happened to say something about being as poor as a church mouse. I said I’ll carve a mouse here and did so, then it struck me, what a lovely trade mark. This is about 30 years ago.” These meticulously carved rodents offer valuable authentication and can be used to determine the age of the piece.
Thompson was also incredibly skilled in creating an adaze finish, an almost soft rippled effect on a surface which is highly appealing. Using the ancient adze tool, which looks similar to a hoe, broad even slithers of the wood are cut away to produce this appearance.
Value:
Early Mouseman works in good condition with natural patina remain the most in demand, achieving up to £40,000 in recent years. While their contemporary counterparts are significantly less valuable, they still command a superior price within the market.
The type of wood used, complexity of design, and the presence of the signature mouse carving will influence the value. Rarer items can be particularly valuable to collectors and Burr oak carvings tend to be more desirable due to their distinct knots which have a cat paw like appearance. Certain designs are also more popular than others.
Sustainability:
In addition to its aesthetic value, Mouseman Furniture is known for its sustainability practices. The company sources its timber from managed forestry estates, where tree felling is controlled and complemented with new planting, prioritising environmentally friendly methods throughout the production process. This commitment to sustainability resonates with consumers who are increasingly seeking eco-conscious options.
Final thoughts:
From dining tables and chairs to cabinets and sideboards, Mouseman furniture offers a wide range of products suitable for various interiors. These pieces are considered a worthwhile investment due to their enduring robustness, honest construction and exceptional craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking to invest in a statement piece or furnish your entire home, understanding the heritage and craftsmanship behind Mouseman Furniture can help you appreciate why it remains a beloved choice among discerning buyers.
Here at Wotton Auction Rooms we are delighted to have on offer a number of Mouseman examples in our next auction on the 10th & 11th of December. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a piece of Mouseman history your own!