Early and Rare Robert “Mouseman” Thompson Oak Fireplace (Out of Stock)

£17,500

SKU: b0849e6de5bc

Start Date (circa): 1930

Medium: Carved Oak

Carved mouse signature

Height: 172

Width: 185

Length: 53

Current condition: Very good condition, minor ware consistent with age and use

Country: England

A 1930s early and rare Robert “Mouseman” Thompson Oak Fireplace of angular concave form.
The top frieze carved with an egg and dart border above three panels, carved and painted with the crests of York (Left), Worcester (right), and Ampleforth Collage & Abbey (centre).
The Ampleforth College & Abbey crest is based upon the crest of Westminster Abbey from where the monks are originally descended.
The carved mantelpiece curves roundly out from the planked surround.
There are two built in seats of lobed form on supports, each carved with a mouse, above a built in fender.
England, circa 1930.
Measures: 185cm wide x 53 cm deep x 172 cm high.

Provenance: The fireplace was made for St Oswald”™s Cottage in 1935, which was built on land belonging to Ampleforth College and Abbey. The cottage was named after the 11th century Benedictine Bishop.
The tenant at the time was Mrs. Alexia Romanes, she had two sons who were both monks at the Abbey and school. Friar Andrew died in 1960 and his brother Friar Ninian died in 1961.
The cottage was also used by the school and was demolished in 2000.