Fairly rare to the market, a wonderful Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker armchair with a Yorkshire rose carved onto the back panel. Circa 1960, it has been beautifully made with the signature gnome with a smiling face carved to one front leg. The oak is a gorgeous gingerbread colour, and the leather seat is a lovely light honey colour. The back panel has been beautifully adzed both to the back and the front. Please note that the white patch seen on the back panel of the chair in the pictures is light reflection, it is not a stain.
The seat is original with some staining as seen in the pictures, very common with these old Gnomeman chairs, it's quite hard to find them with the leather seats stain free. It has one small chip to the bottom of the front right-hand side leg (see pictures), not noticeable unless turned upside down and examined closely. It also has a small natural age-related split in the grain on the left arm (see pictures). Other than that, it is in good condition with just some surface wear commensurate with around 60 years of regular use. It is structurally sound with no movement in the joints.
The full height of the chair measures 90cm. The width from arm to arm is 60cm. The depth is 48cm. The seat height is 45cm.
A fantastic Gnomeman piece with a fabulous Yorkshire rose carving, which makes it much rarer and therefore more collectable.
Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker (1910 - 1991) was a craftsman based in North Yorkshire. He was heavily influenced by Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson. His designs are based on Mouseman pieces, but they tend to be a bit more rustic in their style. He was inspired to use the gnome to sign his pieces as, according to legend, a gnome is born each time an acorn germinates, and it will guard the oak tree throughout its life. Gnomeman pieces have become highly sought after since his death, some commanding higher prices than Mouseman pieces because of their rarity.
- Collection available. Please select the 'collection' option at checkout.
- Local delivery available for a small charge - please contact info@yorkshiremouse.co.uk for a quote.
- Happy for buyers further afield to arrange their own courier or contact us to discuss other options available for delivery.
- Happy to recommend a courier - please email for details.
- Sorry, no international delivery is available for this item, unless arranged by the buyer.
