The interior at Waddington is particularly notable as an unusual application of Thompson’s craftsmanship to a commercial setting. His interior commissions are more commonly associated with ecclesiastical, domestic and civic buildings, with individual examples of Mouseman furniture in homes and collections. In contrast, the extensive, purpose-designed scheme for Waddington demonstrates how Thompson’s distinctive approach to craftsmanship was applied to a retail interior. The scheme is also understood to have been among the last projects designed during Thompson’s lifetime, prior to his death in 1955. The interior is of particularly high quality and survives remarkably well. The scheme incorporates extensive timberwork displaying characteristic features of Thompson’s work, including the visible adzed finish, half penny mouldings and signature carved mouse motifs. The quality of the scheme extends beyond the timberwork to its wrought-iron fittings, bench upholstery and carefully considered details, including light fittings and a fireplace surround engraved with a quote from John Ruskin flanked by sconces. The scale and unity of the surviving scheme is remarkable and clearly conveys Thompson’s distinctive use of materials, high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The shop exterior also demonstrates high quality in its materials, detailing and design. The marble cladding and gilded engraving convey durability and quality, consistent with a respectable menswear brand. The asymmetrical glazed entrance lobby which slopes inwards towards the entrance recessed, intended to draw the customer into the premises, reflects the development of progressive approaches to retail design during the post-war period. Although the exterior has been altered by the installation of modern shutters, these do not obscure the underlying quality and interest of the shopfront. The upper floors are of lesser interest. Numbers 10–12 Bridge Place survive as the only remaining part of a late-C19 shopping parade, the remainder having been demolished and replaced. The upper storeys retain some evidence of their late-C19 origins, including stone dressings and decorative eaves consoles, but these features are not of particular distinction for the period. Their interest has been diminished further by later alterations, including replacement uPVC windows. For these reasons, while we have not been able to visit the building, we do not expect the interior of the upper floors to contain elements of special interest. The special interest of the building therefore resides principally in the ground-floor shopfront and interior. The Principles of Selection advise careful selection among buildings of this period, while the largely adaptable and ephemeral nature of post-war retail architecture means that shops retaining special architectural interest survive in relatively small numbers. Against this context, Waddington stands out for the quality and coherence of its design, its thoughtful use of high-quality materials, progressive shopfront treatment, exceptional craftsmanship and, above all, the remarkably complete survival of its purpose-designed Mouseman interior. Its association with Robert Thompson, together with the apparent rarity of such an extensive commercial commission, considerably enhances that interest. Waddington therefore fully merits listing at Grade II. The special interest is concentrated in the ground-floor shopfront and interior, and the upper storeys should be excluded from the listing. In recommending the extent of designation, we have considered whether powers of exclusion under s1 (5A) of the 1990 Act are appropriate, and consider that they are, which is made clear in the proposed List entry. CONCLUSION After examining all the records and other relevant information and having carefully considered the architectural and historic interest of this case, the criteria for listing are fulfilled. Waddington is therefore recommended for listing at Grade II. REASONS FOR DESIGNATION DECISION Waddington, 10-12 Bridge Place, is recommended for listing at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Architectural Interest: * for the quality and coherence of its design, its thoughtful use of high-quality materials, progressive shopfront treatment and exceptional interior craftsmanship; * for 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, and features over 30 mice. Historic Interest: * as a rare example of a commercial interior scheme designed by Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson.