YORKSHIRE TREAT

THE AUCTION HOUSE: Sworders, Essex THE LOTS: The Horlick Collection of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson furniture sold on 9th October THE PRICE: £290,280 in total (est £100,000)

Earlier this autumn, a cache of ‘fresh to the market’ Arts and Cra!s-style furniture made by Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson (1876-1955) was consigned to Sworders. Named the Horlick Collection, the 40 lots of furniture came from the Horlicks factory in Slough, an art deco building ki"ed out with Mouseman furniture in the Thirties. ‘It was one of the largest commissions Thompson received in his prime period and they were choice pieces, ranging from partner’s desks to chairs to coat stands,’ says Guy Schooling of Sworders. The top lot was an oak dresser that fetched £35,000, a record for Mouseman furniture. Even two humble oak paper trays made £2,100. 01279 817778; sworder.co.uk

An enormous dresser achieved a record for Mouseman furniture at Sworders in October.

A Mouseman partner’s desk made £13,000, one of five in the Horlick Collection.