A Thomas 'Gnomeman' Whittaker chair. All hand carved with the signature gnome to the top of the front, left leg. Circa 1960. It is a lovely gingerbread colour, and the oak has great patination. The gnome has been particularly well carved. Some are carved with frowning faces. This one has a big smile on his face. Whittaker carved a happy or sad face depending on the day of the week. Monday's gnomes had sad faces, but Friday's gnomes had happy faces as it was the end of a working week for Whittaker, and apparently that made him very happy.
 
The chair is in good condition with just wear commensurate with around 60 years of use, some faint water stains, marks etc. At the bottom of one of the back legs it looks as if there is a chip and a crack. However, on close inspection, you can clearly see that both are just a natural irregularity in the wood grain (see zoomed in picture), which adds to the rustic charm of the piece.
 
The entire chair has been beautifully adzed all over, including the front and back of the back panel. The padded leather seat looks great with its brass studs. It has some staining but is all original.
 
All in all, it is a great Gnomeman piece that would look lovely in any room of the house, especially the hallway. Who else has their own happy smiley gnome to greet them when they get home!
 
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.
 
UK delivery is £45.00.