Georgian Mahogany Metamorphic Bench Step Ladder

Rectangular with drop in seat and molded edge. Square section legs with molded edge and H form stretcher.

Rectangular with scrolled ends. Newly upholstered in muslin. Fluted seat rail and circular tapered fluted legs.

Rectangular upholstered seat with square section legs with blind fret carving.

Each with a yellow velvet drop in seat with seat rail with carved C scrolls on the corners and saw tooth carved detail. With square section legs.

The rectangular padded seat covered in brown leather, opening to reveal a set of library steps, over a solid inlaid seat-rail and ring-turned tapering legs ending in castors. 18in. high, 34 1/2in. wide and 16 1/2in. deep. Opened, 36in. high and 49in. wide. Rooms organized during the Regency period as libraries often had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The upper shelves were difficult to reach, so movable library stairs were invaluable. Further, libraries were one of the most important rooms in a stately house, symbol of its owner's wealth, culture and status. As a consequence, designers, architects and cabinet or chair makers devoted much attention to its architecture and decoration. Hence, the emrgence of innovative ideas such as our bench. Enter the Regency era metamorphic library chair/bench (chairs are more common than benches)! The tables, chairs and stools containing library steps were patented in Great Britain by Robert Campbell in 1774 but this innovative chair-based design did not become immediately popular. Once the Regency was established, a neo-classical interpretation of Campbell’s Metamorphic Library Chair concept started to become popular in London. Any early attributions rely heavily on two contemporary sketches...

Folding wooden step ladders with aged paint finish

English Regency mahogany metamorphic library table/steps with hinged top & lion finial on a scrolled base. (with registry tag for J. Brodey, Bristo...

This Regency step-ladder was created in England, circa 1950. Built of mahogany, the three stairs cabinet sits on small, fluted and tapered legs ending with brass wheels; both sides a...