Robert Thompson (mouseman) - occasional table

[brocher]

Hi, I have a genuine question about my Mouseman table. We bought this back in late 1970s direct from his workshop/showroom in Kilburn. We haven't used it much and it's been a bit neglected, kept in a cold place unfortunately. We now want to bring it back into use, but have found quite a few stains and blotches not just on the top but also on the legs and stretcher, and the feet. I haven't tried anything yet to remove the stains (if that is possible) or clean it up.

I have attached loads of photos.

But I was wondering if anyone had some advice about what I could do.

I haven't yet spoken to Robert Thompson's about the table, so I thought I would start here.

Any thoughts very welcome.

 

[Jacob]

Looks like what you might get with iron and damp oak. Any grindstones in the vicinity?
Oxalic acid might do it.

 

[brocher]

Looks like what you might get with iron and damp oak. Any grindstones in the vicinity?
Oxalic acid might do it.

No, But it was stored upstairs in our loft space! Ooops.

 

[Jacob]

There's lots on here if you search back https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/search/1998536/?q=oxalic+acid&o=relevance

 

[brocher]

There's lots on here if you search back https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/search/1998536/?q=oxalic+acid&o=relevance

Thanks Jacob, I will have a look at that.

 

[johnnyb]

These were finished in wax on the undercarriage and ronseal varnish on tops.

 

[johnnyb]

I'd suggest white spirit and some plastic wire wool on the undercarriage. Paint stripper on the top. Then consider oxalic acid(or bar keepers friend powder) these weren't truly durable finishes tbh and needed maintenance in general use. It was matt or satin varnish. Of course these would be sprayed in ac lacquer normally but it does tend to make things look shoppy!

 

[mark w]

Where`s the mouse?
If it were mine I`d contact the Thompson workshop and ask them to restore it, it would then keep its heritage and value, money well spent.

 

[brocher]

Where`s the mouse?
If it were mine I`d contact the Thompson workshop and ask them to restore it, it would then keep its heritage and value, money well spent.

I think that is what I will do. I also think that I still have the original receipt from them when we bought it decades ago!

PS - the mouse is on the leg about 2/3rds up on the chamfer

 

[mwinfrance]

Agree with mark w .."do it yourself" is not a good idea, unless you are an experienced restorer ( and obviously you wouldn't be asking if you were ) .They'll do it properly ( might be a bit spendy, but worth it ) and you'll be a happy ( but a bit poorer ) camper. The value may even rise due to "expertly restored by " them.

 

[brocher]

I was able to speak to a nice lady at Robert Thompsons on Saturday. She said that yes they can do restoration and I should send some photos - including a photo of the mouse - so that they could provide an initial idea and quote for the work involved.

So I have sent some photos through to them, and await their comments.

Incidentally, I found the initial price list and a wee postcard I received from them saying that my table was ready for collection. This was back in April 1981. It's nice to have those kind of reminders. The table cost £127 back then, and on their website today, I can see that the same table is now costing £1272 to buy! So it should be worth it to have it restored again.

Thanks for all your comments, as they made it easier to make this decision.

 

[johnnyb]

That's a remarkable change!

 

[MikeJhn]

That's a remarkable change!

Not just inflation, but popularity as well.

 

[johnnyb]

According to the bank of England £480 is the price adjusted for inflation.