Large Adzed Oak Yorkshire Critter Dining Table and 8 Matching Chairs by Derek “Fishman” Slater

Circa 1960 Large oak Yorkshire Critter dining table and 8 matching chairs by Fishman (Derek Slater of Crayke). The table with a 4 cm-thick 4 section adzed top with a nice degree of wear and with a carved fish “signature” above classical Mouseman Thompson octagonal tapering base on plinth with a deep chamfered stretcher. The 8 chairs with carved lattice backs, exposed pegs and dowels, and with brass-studded leather upholstered seats in good condition with octagonal legs in front and outswept rear supports connected by H stretcher each with a carved fish. The Yorkshire Critters or 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 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, Lizardman or Beaverman, Fishman), 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. These items were made by Derek Slater of Crayke whose early solo work is carved with a fish, later pieces were sometimes carved with a lizard.