Refectory Style Oak Dining Table and Four Chairs By Wilf (Squirrelman) Hutchinson Of Thirsk

Object Description

Circa 1960. Refectory style oak dining table and four chairs by Wilf (Squirrelman) Hutchinson of Thirsk. The thick two-plank adzed table top with external pegs supported on arched trestles over shaped plinth bases with signature carved squirrel. The four chairs with square backs containing fluted lattice panels, brass-studded burgundy leather seats and supported on classical Yorkshire octagonal and square legs with peripheral stretchers. All items have a beautiful rich colour and original patina.

Table – 140cm L, 58cm W, 74cm H, Chairs – 46cm W, 42cm D, 86cm H

Object Literature

The Yorkshire Critter Carvers comprise of over 40 craftsmen, working from the 1940s to the present day, who made oak furniture inspired by Robert “Mouseman” Thompson of Kilburn Yorkshire. Many of these Critter Carvers actually trained in Thompson’s Kilburn workshop before setting up their own craft shops. Using the same oak material, traditional hand tools and traditional; techniques (especially adzed surfaces) as Mouseman Thompson, each craftsman created a signature carved ‘critter’ such as an animal (woodpecker, squirrel or beaver, i.e. Woodpeckerman, Squirrelman or Beaverman), acorn or human icon (e.g. Knight or Viking) to decorate and act as a signature and identify their oak pieces. The historical significance of Mouseman Thompson’s designs and style, the fine craftmanship, functional nature and beauty of Yorkshire Critter Carver’s oak furniture is enduring, and is reflected in the continued demand and robust prices for these items.

Object Details