Late Victorian Arts & Crafts Oak Metamorphic Library Chair Steps c.1890
A particularly attractive late Victorian Arts & Crafts metamorphic library chair, dating from the final years of the 19th century and constructed in solid oak.
Combining practicality with the honest craftsmanship championed by the Arts & Crafts movement, the chair features a beautifully pierced back with Gothic-inspired quatrefoil cut-outs and a distinctive fan-shaped aperture to the top rail. The simple architectural lines, exposed joinery and restrained decoration are characteristic of the period and give the piece a timeless appeal.
Ingeniously designed, the chair transforms in seconds into a sturdy set of library steps. The seat folds forward to reveal three graduated steps, making it ideal for reaching bookshelves, cupboards or displaying decorative objects. Such pieces were often found in libraries, studies, schools and country houses where space-saving furniture was highly valued.
The oak has developed a rich, warm patina over more than a century and displays the wear and character expected of a well-used antique. The metamorphic action operates smoothly and the chair remains both practical and decorative.
An increasingly sought-after form, equally suited to Arts & Crafts, country house and contemporary interiors.
Measurements
As Chair
* Height: 89 cm
* Seat Height: 44 cm
* Width: 45 cm
* Depth: 38 cm
As Steps
* Height: 89 cm
* Width: 45 cm
* Depth: 61 cm
Condition
Good antique condition with age-related wear, marks and patina consistent with over a century of use. The oak retains excellent colour and character throughout. The metamorphic mechanism operates as intended.