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Pair of Hardwood Gilt Metal Empire Revival Metamorphic Library Steps Armchairs

About the Item

We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of large and collectable Regency style metamorphic armchairs which converts into Library steps after the original 18th century design by Gillow's of Lancaster in Rosewood with gilt metal Empire Revival mounts and black leather steps A very good looking and well made pair, I have never seen a Regency style piece with Rosewood frames before and especially with the French Empire style gilt metal mounts. The leather steps are heritage leather so they have a nice patina The original period for this design was 1800-1825 it was listed as the 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. 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 Condition wise the timber is all in good period condition, it will have some age and use related patina marks here and there, we have cleaned waxed and polished them from top to bottom Armchair dimensions Height:- 90.5cm Width:- 65cm Depth:- 72cm Steps dimensions Height:- 72cm Width:- 65cm Depth:- 125cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid Condition Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description around condition Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of cracking creasing and wear, we recommend regular 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: 35.63 in (90.5 cm)Width: 25.6 in (65 cm)Depth: 28.35 in (72 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Regency (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    20th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2823334764632
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