English William IV Period Satinwood & Leather Library Steps, 3rdq 19th cen.

Having a slightly arched crest rail with a carved finial the back curving into the sides with carved detail at handles, the seat rail punctuated by carved squares above the slightly ...

having a square top with slight gallery edge, with a gameboard surface surrounded by an alternating veneer banding, the shaped apron housing one drawer, raised on slightly tapering c...

having a shaped backrest with notched corners with serpentine shaped arms atop curved armrests, the generous seat resting on cabriole legs ending in stylized pad feet, upholstered in...

constructed of blond walnut and having a rectangular paneled top above a conforming case with three doors housing interior shelving and (later) drawers, the facade with fluted colum...

We are delighted to offer for sale this large and collectable lightly restored William IV circa 1830 Flamed Mahogany, metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and London. This is a wonderful piece of English history, I have never seen another with such elegant turned front legs, usually they are plainer and straight timber. The seat pad has been upholstered with a grey linen, the steps and raw flamed mahogany and look amazing. This chair is an important and extremely expensive looking thing that commands attention in any setting. You can see the same model made by Gillows currently viewed in the Victorian & Albert Museum, below is an extra from their listing. The period 1800-1825 was a great one for ‘patent’ or ‘metamorphic’ furniture This chair, which transforms into a short set of steps for use with bookshelves, is close to a design for a ‘Library Chair’ published in Rudolph Ackermann’s Repository of the Arts in July 1811, which was made by the London firm of Morgan and Saunders, of Catherine Street, Strand. They were well known for their ingenious furniture, including reading chairs with writing surfaces attached and a great variety of travelling beds...

Beautifully crafted English library steps in mahogany with inlaid leather accents. Features two compartments for convenient storage. A timeless piece o...

A fine pair of Antique 19th Century English William IV Brass and Rosewood Needlepoint Fire/Pole Screens, Circa 1830. The screens having brass stems with turned finials mounted with a...

Large Scale Sculptors or Library Steps. Original castors Late 19th Century Robust and strong. France, Circa 1880.