Antique 1810 Attributed to Gillows Metamorphic Leather Library Armchair Steps

We are delighted to offer this very large and collectable fully restored Regency circa 1810-1820 metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps after the original 18th century design by Gillows of Lancaster. This wonderful piece of English history has been on a journey of restoration, the frame has been washed back and French polished by a Victorian trained polisher, the leather upholstery has been stripped back, hand dyed six times, antiqued and sealed, it has a lovely rich reddish brown colour to it. This chair is larger than any other of its type you would have seen, it is a important and extremely expensive looking thing that commands attention in any setting. The original made by Gillows can currently be 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...

We are delighted to offer for sale this large and collectable late Victorian circa 1890-1900 metamorphic armchair which converts into a side table attributed to Gillow's of Lancaster and London. This wonderful piece of English history is very desirable and collectable, it is stamped to the base with a Gillow's serial number and patent number. The frame mechanism operates perfectly and is very smooth. Gillow's were well known for their ingenious furniture, including reading chairs with writing surfaces attached and a great variety of travelling beds...

We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime original Regency circa 1810-1820 fully restored metamorphic library steps table with oxblood leather steps This is an important and sophisticated piece of English Regency furniture. Every discerning gentleman’s library should have one. They were the height of elegance and technology in the late Georgian to early Victorian era The one is a very fine, fully restored example, the steps are hidden inside the bottom drawer, the idea being you sit this table near a very large library bookcase...

We are is delighted to offer for sale this large and collectable vintage metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps with Berger seat and leather upholstered steps A good looking well made and decorative library armchair which metamorphosises into a library steps. The chair has the original patinated bergere seat and the steps have leather upholstery which has been upholstered very flat so you have a good even tread. The steps are quite special on this one because they have a small hand rail...

We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of large and collectable Regency style metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps after the original 18th century design by Gillows of Lancaster with Burr Walnut panels A very good looking and well made pair, I have never seen a Regency style piece with Burr Walnut panels before, the leather seat pads have been restored by my leather polishers, they have been hand dyed six times, antiqued and sealed 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...

We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored hand dyed cigar brown leather period Regency mahogany Chesterfield Porters armchair attributed to Gillows ...

A magnificent George III period seven door breakfront library bookcase. Constructed in the finest quality figured mahogany, having a moulded cornice above seven astragal glazed doors...

A late Regency rosewood breakfront open bookcase, attributed to Gillows, of rectangular form with three adjustable shelves, with tooled leather dust fringes, divided by four fluted p...

A superb Regency flame mahogany four door breakfront bookcase attributed to Gillows of Lancaster, surmounted with pierced lattice work, cresting above four geometric glazed doors, wi...

A late Regency bird’s-eye maple cylindrical open bookcase attributed to Gillows, the circular leather-inset top above four sections divided by panelled uprights, each with two adjust...

A late Regency Gonçalo Alves two-door side cabinet firmly attributed to Gillows, of rectangular form with two glazed doors retaining the original brass trelliswork centred on rosette...

Beautiful ash library staircase, with many details. The steps are very stable in use due to the construction and the long handle. Perfectly suited for everyday use and multiple purpo...