Rare Nest Of Three Lizardman Adzed Oak Nest Of Tables

Circa 1970. Rare nest of three Lizardman adzed oak nest of tables with traditional pegged joints. The rectangular tops in perfect condition, polished and with adzing and all supported on chamfered legs with peripheral stretchers. The signature lizard carved on the larger table. In excellent condition.

Handmade Nest of tables  by Derek ‘Lizardman’ Slater of Crayke, North Yorkshire; one of the Yorkshire Critter Carvers inspired by the classic oak carving/furniture of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson or Kilburn, Yorkshire.

The Yorkshire Critter Carvers comprise of over 40 craftsmen, working from the 1940s to the present day, who made oak furniture inspired by Robert “Mouseman” Thompson of Kilburn Yorkshire. Many of these Critter Carvers actually trained in Thompson’s Kilburn workshop before setting up their own craft shops. Using the same oak material, traditional hand tools and traditional; techniques (especially adzed surfaces) as Mouseman Thompson, each craftsman created a signature carved ‘critter’ such as an animal (woodpecker, squirrel or beaver, i.e., Woodpeckerman, Squirrelman or Beaverman), acorn or human icon (e.g., Knight or Viking) to decorate and act as a signature and identify their oak pieces. The historical significance of Mouseman Thompson’s designs and style, the fine craftmanship, functional nature and beauty of Yorkshire Critter Carver’s oak furniture is enduring, and is reflected in the continued demand and robust prices for these items.