Stock ref: DS2091
Circa 1960s/70s
Size: 51(w) x 39(d) x 40(h)cm, seat 45(w) x 37(d) x 4.5(h)cm
£ 445
Stock ref: DS2076
Circa 1950s
A wonderful example of Thomas Whittaker's rustic craftsmanship, this traditional solid oak Writing Bureau is adzed all over and features a sloped fall front with very distinctive wrought iron strapping, opening to reveal numerous compartments and a writing desk, supported on two pull out lopers, Below are 2 short over 2 long gradurated storage drawers with wrought iron teardrop handles and his trademark gnome carved intricately to the front side corner.
Cleaned and re-waxed in our workshop it presents in a wonderful condition and rich colour with just some natural wood splitting to the shaped trestle side. The original key and lock for the fall front are present, but due to the natural age shrinkage of the wood no longer match cleanly to work effectively.
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: 70.5(w) x 45(d) x 106.5(h)cm
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Stock ref: DS1653
1986
Privately acquired from the original owners family together with several other Gnomeman and Rabbitman pieces.
A rare to find piece from Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker, made in the last few years of his life. Adzed all over and features shaped trestle sides joined by a pegged stretcher with a fall front which has a carved tudor / yorkshire rose inset into the front supported by two pull out lopers. Inset leather writing desk and storage compartments internally, two drawers below. Exceptionally clean and well looked after. Marked in typical fashion with Thomas Whittakers trademark gnome carving.
Complete with the original order acknowledgement letter from Littlebeck Craftsmen.
Size: 91.5(w) x 52(d)cm x 112(h)cm
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Stock ref: DS1937
Circa 1960s
A superb example of Tom Whittaker's rustic craftsmanship, this traditional oak spinning chair features a shaped and adzed back with an inset mythical carved griffin. The dodecagon (12 sided) single plank seat is also adzed and supports three substantial legs, his trademark gnome carved intricately to the lower rear leg. Both front legs feature visible wedged joints through the seat.
Super rich deep colour, the pegged rear back rest and legs are solid with no loose joints.
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: 45(w) x 46(d) x 88.5(h)cm
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Stock ref: DS1882
Circa 1960s
An unusual and most likely bespoke made 4'2 3/4" long table with a bench seat from Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker of Littlebeck, ideal for a kitchen /diner or for a couple who don't need a large dining set.
The table of typical rectangular form with a two plank top, waisted trestle legs and sledge feet joined by a traditional pegged stretcher. Adzed all over with a trademark gnome carved prominently to the corner edge of one trestle leg. The chair of simple adzed form with the seat and back rest jointed to the two trestle legs, joined with a pegged stretcher. It fits neatly under the table when not in use, if space is at a premium.
Photographed in original 'as purchased' condition it is structurally sound and usable, with minor expected surface wear to the table top finish. We can supply the item as it is or will be happy to clean and re-wax the piece for clients, pricing accordingly.
Sizes: Table 129(w) x 60(d) x 76(h)cm, Bench 129(w) x 44.5(d) x 81(h)cm
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Stock ref: DS1867
Circa 1960s
A superb example of a Bedside or Side Cabinet from the Littlebeck workshop of the talented Yorkshire Critters craftsman Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker. Adzed all over to visible surfaces it features a panelled cupboard with drawer below. Clearly well looked after from new we've cleaned the top of the typical ring stains and minor splash marking so it now presents in excellent waxed condition.
Size: 49.5(w) x 31.5(d) x 69.5(h)cm
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Stock ref: DS1886
Circa 1950s/60s
An excellent example of the rare and sought after Carved Oak Gnome Carving by Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker. A wonderful piece for collectors of his work and in excellent condition and colour, just a small old chip to the rear of the gnomes clothing.
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 we attach a link to a British Pathe newsreel from 1961. Gnomeman Thomas Whittaker
Size: 6.5(w) x 6.5(d) x 19(h)cm
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Stock ref: DS1798
Circa 1960s
A lovely example of Tom Whittaker's craftsmanship, this traditional oak spinning stool features a shaped and adzed back with an inset carved griffin. The dodecagon (12 sided) single plank seat is also adzed and supports three substantial legs, his trademark gnome carved intricately to the lower rear leg. Both front legs feature visible wedged joints through the seat.
Super medium colour, the pegged rear back rest and leg are completely solid with very minor movement in the front legs which are wedged through the seat.
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: 45(w) x 46.5(d) x 91.5(h)cm
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Stock ref:DS1775
Circa 1960s
A lovely example of the highly sought after oak Ashtray from the Littlebeck workshop of Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker with a pegged detailed carving of a smiling gnome. Super colour with no losses, some minor ash burn around the bowl to evidence usage in the past as intended.
Size: 13(w) x 15.5(d) x 11(h)cm
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Stock ref: DS1637
Circa 1930s
A rare very early Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker panelled oak Coffer / Storage Chest, made in the 1930s, before he had established his trademark gnome signature that is carved on pieces made from the 1940s onwards. Oak dowel pinned and adzed all over, the joinery and wood carving is in his typical more rustic, less precise style than a Robert Thompson's craftsman would use. Interestingly the coffer base is plywood which was a new material craftsmen were experimenting with at the time and is also frequently found on early 1930s made Mouseman pieces. Cleaned inside and out in our workshop the piece presents with a rich colour, slightly darker on the rear that has not been exposed to as much light over the years. All the joints are structurally sound with just slight expected shrinkage of some inlaid panels.
Excellent provenance, privately acquired directly from the surviving family of the former timber merchants and oak supplier in the pre and post war period to Robert Thompson and Thomas Whittaker, together with a professional house contents insurance valuation dated 1943, confirming the early age of this Gnomeman and other Mouseman bedroom furniture pieces we have purchased from this estate. Full details can be provided to the purchaser.
Thomas whittaker (1910 -1991) lived and worked in York and later in Littlebeck, near Whitby, North Yorkshire. His trademark gnome is carved onto most, but not all, 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 indentify the piece in some way and the judge suggested a gnome, this being 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 we attach a link to a British Pathe newsreel from 1961 showing Thomas at work at Littlebeck. Gnomeman Thomas Whittaker
Size: 99.7(w) x 41.5(d) x 53.5(h)cm
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