LATE 18TH CENTURY

Details

A SET OF GEORGE III MAHOGANY METAMORPHIC LIBRARY STEPS
LATE 18TH CENTURY
The rectangular top enclosing a hinged panel with two treads and a sliding tread, on square legs joined by stretchers, one end-stretcher with hinged flap to form the lowest tread, on brass castors, the sides with later carrying handles, the two central treads lined with crimson and gilt-thread silk damask, now distressed, the top tread later, the top now with a mahogany panel and probably previously upholstered (see note below)
open: 43¼ in. (110 cm.) high; closed: 20 in. (51 cm.) high; 30 in. (76 cm.) wide; 18 in. (45.5 cm.) deep

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

A set of library steps in the form of a long stool with padded upholstered seat covered originally in black leather was supplied in 1767 to Sir Rowland Winn, 5th Bt. (d. 1785) for Nostell Priory, Yorkshire by Thomas Chippendale (d. 1779). It was invoiced on 4 July 1767 and described as 'a large Mahogany Library stool with the seat to rise as a step ladder stuff'd and Cover'd with black leather £14' (C. Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, vol. I, pp. 170 & 185 & vol. II, p. 145, fig. 262).

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