Thomas Whittaker ‘Gnomeman’
Thomas ‘Gnomeman’ Whittaker (1910 -1991) lived and worked in York, and later in Littlebeck, near Whitby, North Yorkshire. Whilst he never trained or worked under Robert Thompson his work was heavily influenced by him. He also travelled to southern Germany and northern Switzerland, allowing himself to be influenced by the Black Forest crafts as well as his native ‘Yorkshire Critters’ school of craftsmen.
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 identify 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.
Thomas ‘Gnomeman’ Whittaker’s work is now highly regarded and collected. Most of his work is adzed but with a more rustic, country charm and style than the Thompson’s trained craftsmen. His business ceased on his death, although his assistant in later years, Chris Checksfield, continued to work under his own name.
Browse our collection of Thomas ‘Gnomeman’ Whittaker pieces for sale, or previously sold, below.
