A set of 6 (5+1) Arts & Crafts Yorkshire School English Oak Chair by Alan 'Acornman' Grainger (Ex-Mouseman) c. 1970. A very elegant and well proportioned design made by this top Yorkshire maker. This model of chair is based on an Edward Barnsley design. Includes 5 dining chairs and 1 carvers. Featuring:

• Solid English Oak throughout.

• Drop in leather seat pads.

• Tapered legs with side stretchers united by cross stretchers.

• Flutted spindle backs.

• Constructed using true cabinet making techniques such as traditional blind tenons secured with hand made pegs.

Approximate dimensions are: If you need a very exact dimension, or one we haven't included, feel free to contact us and we will measure it for you.

c. 1970.

Alan Grainger's inset finely carved signature acorn motif on the leg of each chair.

Vey good condition with tight joints, firm seat pads with intact leather, good colour and original finish. A few very minor marks and dints discoverable upon close inspection, probably less than expected with an item that has been in use for 50 or so years. If you wish to have further specific photographs or talk to us for a more detailed condition report then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Acorn Industries was started by George Grainger, a former Robert "Mouseman' Thompson craftsman, in the mid-30s. He trained his son Alan (and Derek 'Lizardman' Slater) who later took over and developed the business. Renowned for high quality pieces, all hand made, usually from English oak and all bearing the acorn mark.

The most British of woods, that can produce really special results. English oak has been used for hundreds of years to construct everything from sea-going vessels to fine furniture. Although oak grows widely across Europe and North America, craftsmen continue to cherish English oak which grows more slowly than its foreign counterparts giving it strength, durability. Quarter sawn boards are very straight grained and have distinctive growth rings and medullary rays that give a very beautiful effect as well as being renowned for their superior stability and strength.

The Yorkshire School of the Arts & Crafts movement started with Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson's  transformation from jobbing carpenter to master craftsmen. By the mid-1920s he had adopted his trademark mouse (now world renowned as a symbol of quality furniture) and had his own workshop busily employing several men. As the workshop grew and over the years many of the craftsmen have taken their skills and branched out and adopted a trademark of their own, a fox, a lizard, a fish, a rabbit to name but a few, and whilst some have closely stuck to the Mouseman designs others have taken the style and adapted it. Other craftsmen, unconnected to the Mouseman workshop, have also chosen the classic Yorkshire Oak style as their own. Typical Yorkshire school items are in English Oak, with traditional pegged joints and adzed surfaces.