Metamorphic Shepherd's Crook Reading Armchair to Library Steps Gillows Lancaster

We are delighted to offer for sale this large and collectable fully restored Regency circa 1810-1820 metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and London 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 is all new, it is Italian cattle hide, upholstered plain then 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 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...

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 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 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...

A fine Regency breakfront side cabinet attributed to Gillows of Lancaster in well figured rosewood veneer. The cabinet displays several typical Gillows design features including the ...

A handsome late 19th century Gillows bookcase. Crafted from fine quality mahogony with glazed panels in the gothic style. The bottom cabinet doors are skilfully moulded with arched f...

A fine English 19th century Gonzalo Alves breakfront open shelved bookcase / side cabinet attributed to Gillows of Lancaster, with a frieze drawer, the shelves flanked by cupboards a...

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...