Arts and Crafts 'Mouseman' interior of Worksop shop receives Grade ll 'spot listing'
The Arts and Crafts style interior of a Worksop business that was designed by Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson has been spot listed Grade ll by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
The long standing Waddington Menswear shop in Bridge Place, that closed this month due to the retirement of its owner, was given the listing on November 4, due to what is termed by the DCMS as the 'remarkably complete survival of its purpose-designed interior by Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson, which includes wall panelling, a fire surround, display cabinetry, sets of drawers, bench seating, a service desk and light fittings'.
Robert Thompson is internationally renowned for the high quality of his craftsmanship and his use of traditional tools and techniques, that are rooted in Arts and Crafts principles.
The furnishing features over 30 of Thompson's trademark mice.
Now that the Grade ll-listing has been made, following advice submitted to DCMS by Historic England, and in turn the C20 Society, it means that Listed Building Consent would be required from Bassetlaw Council planners before the rare 1950s retail interior could be removed.
CW Waddington Ltd Menswear occupied its corner plot in Bridge Place, Worksop for 96 years, and has closed its doors due to the retirement of its third generation owner, Jane Parkinson.
The business was founded by Clifford Waddington, who was joined by son Trevor in 1957. Jane entered the business with her father in 2000.
In the 1950s the shop expanded to take up its full corner presence in Bridge Place, and it was then that the 'mouseman' interior was added.
The shop specialised in classic and contemporary menswear, and has been a men's occasion hirewear specialist.
Its hire arm is set to continue in 2027 under new ownership.
The owner of the Bridge Place property was approached by the Worksop Guardian about the recent listing but declined to comment.