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Restored Metamorphic Antique Regency Armchair to Library Steps Gillows Lancaster
About the Item
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 that could pack down into boxes. This chair, however must date from at least twenty years after the design was first published. The form of the chair, which revives a design of the early 18th century, is based on a design for an armchair created by the firm of Gillows of Lancaster in 1827. It is stamped by its maker ‘H. Howse’ and ‘H.H.’ but that maker has not yet been identified.
Condition wise as mentioned it is fully restored, there will be some age and use related patina marks here and there but it is gallery ready.
Armchair dimensions
Height:- 91cm
Width:- 61.5cm
Depth:- 62.5cm
Seat height:- 43.5cm
Steps dimensions
Height:- 75.5cm
Width:- 61.5cm
Depth:- 100cm
Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point.
This item is available for collection from our Pulborough warehouses.
Condition
Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description pertaining to the condition.
Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of creasing and wear, we recommend annual waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade.
- Similar to:Gillows of Lancaster & London (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 35.83 in (91 cm)Width: 24.22 in (61.5 cm)Depth: 24.61 in (62.5 cm)Seat Height: 17.13 in (43.5 cm)
- Style:Georgian (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:19th Century
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2823330040942
About the Seller
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Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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