Leaflet explains the delightful mice of Howden Minster
A LEAFLET is currently being produced about the mice carved into parts of the Howden Minster.
Robert Thompson - known as The Mouseman of Kilburn - dedicated his life to the craft of carving and joinery in English oak.
And as a mark of his work he carved a mouse on every piece of work he made, including over 30 inside the Howden Minster.
Rector James Little said: "Mousey Thompson was one of the foremost Yorkshire wood carvers of the 20th century and on every piece of work that he did, he carved a mouse on, with each one being unique.
"Every craftsman of his era had their own mark and the chlidren who come to the Minster love them."
He added: "There is already a leaflet at one church about a mouse trail and we decided we would do the same thing, giving the children clues on how to find them."
Former Howden Infant School teacher Vivian Hall is currently working on producing the leaflet.
Robert Thompson, born in 1876, taught himself to use traditional tools and by 1919 was experimenting with his own ideas for producing furniture based on the English styles of the 17th century.
A 'Mouseman Visitor Centre' was recently opened in his honour, and revealed that the story told by Robert Thompson on why he carved mice was because he said 'we are all as poor as church mice'.
He originally carved on pieces of wooden furniture in the Minster after part of it was burnt down in 1929.
James Little added: "He was influenced by the arts and craft movement and rejected what was called at that time, the miracle of the machine."
He also revealed that the Minster is now using a new website, which has been developed by the Church of England, and is available to view by visiting www.acny.org.uk/venue.php?V=19174.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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