Dec 09

Mouseman and the provenance of Yorkshire Oak Furniture.

Provenance, from the French provenir, “to come from”, means the origin, or the source, of something, or the history of the ownership or location of an object, The term was originally mostly used of works of art.

Just arrived at Arts and Crafts Company are a set of 6 (Six) Robert “Mouseman” Thompson Panel Back Dining Chairs from Arts and Crafts Company’s current inventory of 20th Century English Yorkshire Oak artisan furniture. £P.O.A - contact@arts-and-crafts-company.com

The provenance of works of fine art, antiques and antiquities often assumes great importance. Documented evidence of provenance for an object can help to establish that it has not been altered and is not a forgery, reproduction, stolen or looted art. Knowledge of provenance can help to assign the work to a known artist and a documented history can be of use in helping to prove ownership.

The quality of provenance of an important work of art can make a considerable difference to its selling price in the market; this is affected by the degree of certainty of the provenance, the status of past owners as collectors, and in many cases by the strength of evidence that an object has not been illegally excavated or exported from another country. The provenance of a work of art may be recorded in various forms depending on context or the amount that is known, from a single name to an entry in a full scholarly catalogue several thousand words long.

Arts and Crafts Company present an inventory of artisan English Oak furniture with known provenance descending from Robert “Mouseman” Thompson (1876 – 1955), his apprentices and craftsman followers. The artisans represented in the Arts and Crafts Company inventory have made major contributions to some of the finest interiors in the United Kingdom and around the world, including Abbeys, Churches, Boardrooms, Public Buildings and Royal Castles.

Fine 21st Century homes around the world can now also contain works of art by the artisan “Yorkshire Critters”. Visit Arts and Crafts Company online at http://www.arts-and-crafts-company.com/



Jul 09

Lizardman Yorkshire Oak Arts and Crafts furniture – Windsor Castle England

Derek “Lizardman” Slater was commissioned to work in very eminent secular and ecclesiastical buildings during the 20th Century. In St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle, Derek Slater crafted six carved pews, a vestment chest and several other ecclesiastical items in English Oak, ensuring his place in 20th Century English rural Arts and Crafts history.Arts and Crafts Company are privelidged to have several examples of Derek “Lizardman” Slater furniture currently exhibited for sale at Station Mill Antique Centre, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5HX – Open 7 Days 10am – 5pm.

Just arrived and pictured left are eight superb Derek “Lizardman” Slater Yorkshire Oak and Leather chairs £P.O.A.

Derek Slater, who trained at Acorn Industries with Alan “AcornmanGrainger later worked at Crayke, nr Easingwold. Derek Slater initially used a carved fish trade mark before changing to a lizard after joining Martin Dutton, working together in Yorkshire in the 1960’s.

Arts and Crafts Company specialise in “Yorkshire Critters” English Oak Arts and Crafts Furniture 1900 – 1990 and are always looking to acquire similar items to those displayed in our web gallery.

W: http://www.arts-and-crafts-company.com/

E: contact@arts-and-crafts-company.com

T: 07917 111141.



May 09

Derek “Lizardman” Slater Library Bookcase

Arts and Crafts Company are delighted to announce the arrival of a magnificent English Oak Library Bookcase with leaded glazed doors by the talented 20th Century Yorkshire Craftsman Derek “Lizardman” Slater.

Derek Slater, trained at Acorn Industries with Alan “Acornman” Grainger and later worked at Crayke, nr Easingwold. Derek Slater initially used a carved Fish trade mark before changing to a Lizard after joining Martin Dutton who was Robert “Mouseman” Thompson trained, working together in Yorkshire during the 1960’s.

Derek Slater was commissioned to work within English Royal estates. For further information about Derek “Lizardman” Slater and this beautiful Yorkshire Oak Arts and Crafts Library Bookcase contact@arts-and-crafts-company.com or telephone 07917 111141 anytime.

Arts and Crafts Company – “Yorkshire Critters” Oak Arts and Crafts Furniture 1900 – 1990. www.arts-and-crafts-company.com



Mar 08

Add a Yorkshire “Critter”

Mouseman, Gnomeman, Foxman, Beaverman, Rabbitman, Wrenman etc…. all Wanted and For Sale listings are FREE !

Help create the deffinative Yorkshire “Critter” Directory. Arts and Crafts Company are passionate about Craftsman Yorkshire Oak Furniture and only stock vintage items from the 20th Century.

This blog has been created to capture information about the Yorkshire “Critters” which adorn Craftsman Yorkshire Oak Furniture of the 20th Century.

Join our mailing list and we will update you about new “Critters” stock as it arrives. Just email contact@arts-and-crafts-company.com subject “Critters – New Arrivals”.

If you are looking for something in particular email us details and we will add you to our wish list. Simply email contact@arts-and-crafts-company.com subject “Critters – Wish List”

Arts and Crafts Company welcome your comments and feedback.

Sponsored by Arts and Crafts Company
www.arts-and-crafts-company.com



Jan 11

Arts and Crafts Company – Happy New Year 2011

Happy New Year 2011 – visit http://www.arts-and-crafts-company.com for vintage yorkshire oak arts and crafts furniture and 20th century modern art.

Modern Art and Design auction sale in Cheltenham UK – 24th February 2011: Entries now invited:  http://www.taylerandfletcher.co.uk/showPage.asp?pageid=188598&section=newsitem&aid=265613



Dec 10

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…


Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse… except at Arts and Crafts Company in Wiltshire UK that is!

Wiltshire is not the sort of place you would expect to encounter small “Critters” hidden amongst the antiques and furniture. However, on much closer inspection of Arts and Crafts Company stock of Yorkshire Oak furniture, young and old alike are surprised to find a Mouse, a Lizard, a Fox and even a Squirrel hiding amongst the Oak chair legs, cupboards and dressers, all eliciting sounds of delight upon discovery from young and old folk alike.

Arts and Crafts Company specialise in vintage craftsman Yorkshire Oak furniture, each piece is hand crafted from English Oak and signed with the craftsmen’s own individual carved “Critter”. The Grandfather of the “Yorkshire Critters” was of course Robert “Mouseman” Thompson (1876 – 1955) of Kilburn in North Yorkshire. His trademark carved mouse adorns fine English Oak furniture all over the world and in some of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in the country, including Westminster Abbey and York Minster. Much has been written about the “Mouseman” and his famous mouse has travelled far and wide, however, he also left behind a far reaching legacy of apprentices all of which served five years at the Kilburn workshops, some remaining for many more years with Mr Thompson before setting up independent workshops across North Yorkshire in England.

Arts and Crafts Company specialise in the hard to find limited output of the “Mouseman” apprentices and other independent Yorkshire craftsmen, such as Malcolm “Foxman” Pipes, Peter “Rabbitman” Heap and Martin “Lizardman” Dutton, all former “Mouseman” apprentices and employees at the Kilburn workshops in North Yorkshire.

Also on show at Arts and Crafts Company private showrooms in Wiltshire are examples of Thomas “Gnomeman” Whittaker’s Yorkshire oak furniture, each piece carved with a small bearded Gnome. Legend has it that a Gnome is born every time an acorn sprouts, following which that gnome will then guard the Oak tree throughout its life, adding a further touch of magic to this wonderful English Oak furniture.

Experience the magic of this bygone age for yourself, visit Arts and Crafts Company online and capture the magic of the “Yorkshire Critters” @ http://www.arts-and-crafts-company.com/

Arts and Crafts Company
(by appointment only)
Telephone +44 07917 111141
http://www.arts-and-crafts-company.com/
contact@arts-and-crafts-company.com



Mar 10

Peter “Rabbitman” Heap – Easter Bunnies abound at Arts and Crafts Company

Peter "Rabbitman" Heap Nest of Yorkshire Oak Tables

Peter "Rabbitman" Heap Nest of Yorkshire Oak Tables

Arts and Crafts Company are pleased to announce the arrival of a nest of three Yorkshire Oak Tables by Peter “Rabbitman” Heap (pictured) just in time for the Spring season.

This Easter Arts and Crafts Company have available from our ever expanding inventory of “Yorkshire Critters” several pieces of arts and crafts oak furniture by Peter “Rabbitman” Heap, including a Round Dining Table, Standing Glazed Corner Cupboard, Wall Shelves, Adjustable Four Shelf Bookcase and a Refectory Dining Table amongst many other vintage items from all of the sought after Yorkshire artisan craftsmen of the 20th Century.

Browse our online “Yorkshire Critters” inventory here: http://www.arts-and-crafts-company.com/

Arts and Crafts Company are specialist dealers in all the “Yorkshire Critters” English Oak Furniture and Lighting from the 20th Century and welcome all enquiries should you wish to buy or sell Yorkshire Oak by the Mouseman, Wrenman, Rabbitman, Foxman, Gnomeman etc…

Subscribe to Arts and Crafts Company “Yorkshire Critters” news, articles and inventory updates for free here: http://artsandcraftscompany.blogspot.com/

Arts and Crafts Company
Station Mill Antiques & Interiors
Station Road
Chipping Norton
Oxon OX7 5HX
(Open 7 Days 10am – 5pm)
Tearoom & Ample Free Parking
Visit our Easter Bunnies this Weekend

Web: http://www.arts-and-crafts-company.com/
Email: contact@arts-and-crafts-company.com
Twitter: @ARTSANDCRAFTSCO
Telephone: 07917 111141



Feb 10

Mouseman and the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum.

As a friend of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum Stephen Sheppard MD of Arts and Crafts Company is delighted to report that new for 2010 in the Arts and Crafts Gallery in Cheltenham are displayed a number of pieces by the Yorkshire furniture maker Robert Thompson (1876 – 1955).

Recently acquired by the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum are a chair, a corner cabinet, wall sconces and two carvings all originating from the world famous “House of the Mouse” in Kilburn Yorkshire, now home to Robert Thompson’s Craftsmen Limited.

The new additions to Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museums world renown Arts and Crafts Collection underlines the rising popularity of the artisan craftsmen collectively known as the “Yorkshire Critters”. Interest in Robert Thompson and his apprentices artisan work in English Oak continues to be very strong and the market for furniture and artifacts by the Yorkshire craftsmen is extremely buoyant even during the recent global recession.

For more examples of the fascinating work from this sought after 20th Century Arts and Crafts movement visit Arts and Crafts Company @ http://www.arts-and-crafts-company.com/

Email contact@arts-and-crafts-company.com or Telephone 07917 111141 for details of our latest vintage Yorkshire craftsman inventory.

Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum



Dec 09

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2010 – Arts and Crafts Company


Arts and Crafts Company
wish all our clients a
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2010
www.arts-and-crafts-company.com



Dec 09

Arts and Crafts Company – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year


Arts and Crafts Company
wish all our clients a
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2010
www.arts-and-crafts-company.com



Mar 09

Derek “Lizardman” Slater Furniture collection arrives for Spring.


A collection of Derek “Lizardman” Slater Yorkshire Oak Furniture is now on display at Chipping Norton.

Arts and Crafts company have added several new pieces of “Yorkshire Critters” furniture to their constantly changing display at Chipping Norton this week, ready for the Spring season.

Subscribe for free email “Yorkshire Critters”news and new stock alerts here: http://artsandcraftscompany.blogspot.com/ 
Whilst you are there there why not also vote for your favourite “Yorkshire Critter” in our online poll.

Or visit the Arts and Crafts Company Web Gallery @  http://www.arts-and-crafts-company.com

Arts and Crafts Company – specialists in “Yorkshire Critters” Oak Arts and Crafts Furniture 1900 – 1990.