carving out a niche in history

n Born in 1876 Robert Thompson dedicated his life to the craft of carving and joinery in English oak.

n He was the son of John Thompson the village joiner, carpenter, and wheelwright in Kilburn and inherited the business in 1895.

n Fascinated by the techniques and tools used in the 15th century and inspired by medieval carver William Bromflet, whose work he admired in Ripon Cathedral, he taught himself how to use them.

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n After a fellow craftsman remarked they were: “as poor as church mice” he carved a mouse in every piece of furniture he made.

n Much of his early work was ecclesiastical and there is a “mouse” in almost every one of the great churches in the North of England, including York and Beverley Minsters. There is also one in Westminster Abbey.

n In 1919 Robert accepted his first commission from Father Paul Neville of Ampleforth and more commissions followed.