Yorkshire Masters & Makers: Regional Icons at Auction


April 2026

We are delighted to present our inaugural Yorkshire Masters & Makers sale, a curated auction celebrating the artists, craftsmen and workshops whose work is intrinsically linked to the county.

From the unmistakable craftsmanship of Robert Thompson’s Mouseman furniture to paintings rooted in the Yorkshire landscape and the region’s rich carving tradition, the sale brings together a diverse yet cohesive group of works. Each piece reflects not only skill and material, but a strong sense of place. Here are some of the highlights.

Mouseman: Signature Pieces

At the heart of the sale is an exceptional group of works by Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson of Kilburn, one of Yorkshire’s most recognisable and enduring craftsmen. Leading the section is Lot 25, a 1937 Mouseman refectory table, estimated at £8,000–12,000. Commissioned for Westminster Church House, the table carries both historical and symbolic significance, with carved partridges and loaves referencing its original patronage. Pieces of this scale and provenance are rare, and it stands as a testament to Thompson’s craftsmanship at its most important.

More functional, yet equally characteristic, is Lot 93, an oak adzed bureau, estimated at £3,000–5,000. With its fall front, fitted interior and carved mouse detail, it reflects the workshop’s ability to combine practicality with distinctive design. Completing the group is Lot 69, a circular adzed oak dining table, estimated at £1,800–2,500. Its clean form and quatriform base demonstrate the enduring appeal of Mouseman furniture, where traditional techniques meet timeless design.

Yorkshire on Canvas

Fine art features in the auction with a series of works that reflect Yorkshire’s landscape and artistic heritage. Lot 1, Owen Bowen’s Collingham Bridge Near Wetherby, estimated at £1,500–2,000, is a strong example from the Staithes Group artist. Painted in 1928, it captures the character of the Yorkshire countryside with a sense of atmosphere and familiarity. A more traditional landscape appears in Lot 48, William Greaves’ Thornton Le Dale, estimated at £400–600, offering a detailed and recognisable view of one of Yorkshire’s most picturesque villages.

Meanwhile, Lot 21, James Leslie Brooke’s Castle Hill from Chapel Hill, estimated at £300–500, provides a local perspective on Huddersfield’s landmark, combining topography with artistic interpretation. Together, these works reflect not only the beauty of the region, but the enduring connection between Yorkshire and its artists.

Regional Makers in Demand

Characterful decorative pieces highlight the breadth of Yorkshire’s making tradition, from fine sculpture to characterful carved works. A standout is Lot 10, Sally Arnup’s bronze Labrador, estimated at £2,000–3,000. Known for her expressive animal studies, Arnup captures both form and personality in this piece, making it as much a sculptural statement as a representation of the subject. 

Yorkshire’s carving tradition is represented by Lot 12, a pair of Rabbitman oak bookends, estimated at £400–600. Crafted by Peter Heap, these pieces echo the Mouseman tradition while maintaining their own identity through the carved rabbit signature. Also of note is Lot 62, a Gnomeman oak table lamp, estimated at £400–800. With its carved figure and naturalistic form, it demonstrates the individuality and charm associated with these regional workshops.
From the renowned legacy of Mouseman furniture to paintings shaped by the Yorkshire landscape and the region’s distinctive carving tradition, this sale offers a compelling snapshot of local craftsmanship and creativity.

Yorkshire Masters & Makers is a celebration of place, skill and identity, bringing together works that continue to resonate with collectors and interiors alike. Browse the full catalogue and place your bids today.
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