inspired by a carved lion

That's what I always thought it was until a friend saw it as a green man. Its ears certainly look like oak leaves although one appears to be broken. That's not surprising, as it is on a wardrobe that is over 300 years old.

My Dad bought it at an auction in the 1950's for £11. When it was delivered, it was riddled with woodworm and Mum refused to have it in the house. It lay on the lawn until Dad was quite sure all the worms were dead.

It used to stand in the hall of our family home, which was about the same age. We hung all our coats in it, and as there were six of us, it was quite a challenge to find the right one! Now it sits in our living room. We have had shelves put in it and it is filled with things we haven't yet found a proper home for. Small though our home is, we wouldn't be without it.