A Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker long bench - circa 1950s. It has a one plank adzed top which sits on shaped supports with the signature gnome carved to one of the supports with a big smile. According to an article written by Frederick Jukes about Thomas Whittaker (for The Yorkshire Dalesman - see picture above), Whittaker carved smiles and frowns on the faces of his gnomes depending on what day of the week it was: "If they were carved on a Monday they would be frowning, but if they were carved on a Friday they would be smiling". If that's true, then this stool was likely carved on a Friday as it looks like a very happy gnome!
 
The top of the bench measures 140 cm x 30 cm. The total height is 46 cm. The overall condition is good. There is one small loss to the underside of the bench which looks like an old chip that has been smoothed out. There is also a split in the grain on the top which has naturally occurred due to the age of the piece - please see pictures. Other than that, it just has wear that you would expect from a bench that has had around 70 years of use. Due to its age and use it has excellent patination. It has been adzed all over, even to the supports and the pegged stretcher, which also show signs of wear. A really charming Gnomeman piece, very rustic!
 
There is another one of these benches in stock if buyers would prefer a pair (not listed yet) - please contact info@yorkshiremouse.co.uk for more information.
 
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.