Robert Thompson of Kilburn Mouseman adzed oak refectory table, commissioned by Sir Herbert Baker for Westminster Church House. Made in 1937, it has a rectangular plank top over twin octagonal baluster supports, joined by a pegged stretcher and raised on shaped, chamfered sledge feet. The feet are carved with a partridge and a loaf of bread, and the inside of one leg bears Thompson’s carved mouse signature.
The loaves reference the original patron; the partridges are thought to represent Frank Partridge, Bishop of Portsmouth, who helped found Church House and served as its Secretary from 1936 to 1941. A related table is recorded in Christie’s catalogue as lot 188, commissioned by Sir Herbert Baker, architect of Church House, which opened in 1937. This Mouseman table is offered for sale at auction by Duggleby Auctioneers.