Stock ref: DS2290

1957

A wonderfully coloured and patinated example of Thomas Whittaker’s rustic artisan craftsmanship, this highly unusual bespoke designed solid oak and burr oak  Sideboard is adzed all over, including the rear, and features twin shelved  cupboards  with burr oak inlaid panels to each side and two drawers centrally. It stands on  adzed and shaped trestle  legs with sledge feet joined by a  traditional pegged stretcher. Complimented by tradional wrought iron fittings and his trademark gnome carved intricately to the  front  corner edge.

Cleaned and sympathetically re-waxed in our workshop it presents in a wonderful  condition and rich colour with just some usual natural wood  shrinkage, splitting  and minor usage marking to the  adzed  oak top.

Privately purchased from the original owners family, the piece made in 1957 as a wedding present.

Thomas whittaker (1910 -1991) lived and worked in York and later in Littlebeck, near Whitby, North Yorkshire. His trademark gnome is carved onto most of his post war work and was inspired by a German jewish refugee he met shortly before the outbreak of war who was judging a piece he had entered into the North of England Craftsmen’s Exhibition in Newcastle. He was asked to indenify the piece in some way and the judge suggested the ‘german oak spirit’  the legend being that a gnome is born each time an acorn germinates and will guard that tree throughout its life. His work is now highly regarded and nearly as well known as Robert Thompson’s. His business ceased on his death and his former home and workshop is now a private residence. For those interested in learning more about his life and work i attach a link to a British Pathe newsreel from 1961. Gnomeman Thomas Whittaker

Size: 119(w) x 46(d) x 93.5(h)cm

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