Left to Right: Lot 6254 Mouseman adzed oak book trough, Lot 6243 Mouseman oak octagonal table lighter & Lot 6253 Mouseman pair of adzed oak bookends
Squirrelman – Derek Slater
A direct apprentice of Mouseman himself, Derek Slater stayed true to the Kilburn style when he launched his own workshop in Husthwaite, just down the road. His signature? A neatly carved squirrel, often caught mid-scamper.
Squirrelman pieces are often mistaken for early Mouseman work, thanks to their shared craftsmanship and elegant proportions. They’re quietly charming and increasingly collectable.
Beaverman – Wilf Hutchinson
One of the earliest to branch off from Thompson’s workshop, Wilf Hutchinson set up shop in Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe during the 1940s. His chosen creature was the beaver - a nod, perhaps, to the hard work and gnawing persistence of the craft.
Beaverman furniture tends to be a little chunkier and more rustic, with expressive carving and plenty of character. It’s got real presence and collectors love it for its personality as much as its quality.
Gnomeman – Peter Heap
If the others are rustic, Gnomeman is outright whimsical. Peter Heap, working from Brompton-on-Swale, gave his pieces a signature carved gnome, usually wearing a pointy hat and standing proudly on a leg or apron.
His work still follows the Mouseman tradition of solid oak and honest construction, but with a bit of light-hearted flair. Gnomeman furniture appeals to those who want something practical but with a clear sense of humour and charm.
Foxman – The Elusive Maker
Foxman is one of the more mysterious figures among the Critter Carvers. Believed to have worked in the Mouseman tradition, his pieces are carved from solid oak using traditional methods and signed with a small fox either curled or alert. While little is formally recorded about his workshop, the quality of his furniture speaks for itself.
Rarer than many of his counterparts, Foxman’s work is increasingly sought after by collectors looking for something unique within the Yorkshire oak movement. With limited pieces known and a growing reputation, spotting a fox is a real find.