A Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson oak armchair, made in December 1927 and delivered in January 1928, commissioned by solicitor George Bolton. Carved and adzed in oak, it has a curved top rail with contrasting male mask carvings at either end, a shaped back splat with geometric floral carving, out-swept arms and octagonal baluster supports. The woven leather seat is raised on octagonal baluster legs joined by a box stretcher.
The arm support bears a rare early-form carved mouse signature, with distinctly defined front paws. This chair predates Thompson’s 1931 registered trademark mouse and may be among the earliest examples, or an inspiration for its clearly defined front feet. Its making and delivery are noted in the supplied historical information as part of Thompson’s January 1928 supply to Bolton: two armchairs at five guineas.
Provenance is recorded from George Bolton of Byland House, Moorhead Lane, Shipley, solicitor to Robert Thompson, by family descent to the present vendor. The chair is discussed in Diane Sinnott and Harriet Hunter Smart, *Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson 1876–1955: Arts & Crafts Furniture Maker & Designer*, Tennants exhibition catalogue, 2016, p. 11. This distinctive early Mouseman armchair is offered for sale at auction by Duggleby Auctioneers.