Robert 'Mousie' Thompson furniture to be auctioned off

Comprising a full set of dining furniture which includes a table, six chairs, two carvers, a sideboard, a corner cupboard and an octagonal coffee table, with the original bill of sale dated 1955, these were produced towards the end of Robert Thompson's life and are, therefore, especially sought after and collectable pieces.

Other pieces from the family collection, purchased in the 1970s and 1980s, with receipts included, form part of the sale.

These include a lattice back rocking chair, a pair of matching bookshelves, a nest of tables and an octagonal cheeseboard.

They will go on sale at the Bourne End Auction House on March 6.

The cabinets are six foot tall, and they'll be up for sale in Bourne End (Image: NA)

The story behind the collectables

The dining furniture was chosen as a wedding gift by Derbyshire Mill Manager, Tom Smith and his wife Hilda, for their daughter Patricia and her fiancé, John McMullan.

Living in Glossop, Tom Smith, an amateur woodcarver himself, knew Thompson's celebrated craftsmanship from local churches and homes.

He loved the drive through the Peak District countryside to Robert Thompson's home and workshop in Kilburn, Yorkshire.

Commissioned and no doubt entered into the Mouseman's 'Black Book' of orders, a letter from a delighted Patricia to her by then husband, John, confirms the furniture's delivery on October 19, 1955, with a note reading: “The furniture arrived yesterday afternoon and is absolutely gorgeous.

A part of the set that will be up for sale in Bourne End (Image: NA)

“Mousie's grandson brought it, along with a foreman and they said that I had the antiques of the future & a good investment there.

“Judging by the solidity & the workmanship, I think they are right.

“I keep peeping in to stand and admire."

The chairs and table will also be up for grabs (Image: NA)

Pat and John went on to add to their collection over the years and it remained with them as they moved first to London and then to three different homes in Amersham.

One of their properties was along Whielden Street.