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ID #SA1146726
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Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Metamorphic Chair to Library Steps C1880
Sold by Gilt and Gesso
sold SA1146726
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

Gilt and Gesso

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2023
Browse dealers 72 items
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Id #SA1146726
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Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Metamorphic Chair to Library Steps C1880

19th century
Sold 6 June 2025 · Gilt and Gesso
This “Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Metamorphic Chair to Library Steps C1880” found a buyer.

It was listed by Gilt and Gesso. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Find more for sale
Antique Step ChairConvertible Step StoolLibrary Chair Steps Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Metamorphic Chair to Library Steps C1880.

A very fine metamorphic chair to library steps circa 1880 with a wonderful natural patina to the mixed fruitwood and pine construction, just back from professional workshop refurbishing, structurally excellent and entirely useable.

A handsome Gothic revival, metamorphic chair to library steps, a superbly stylish design with an established timeworn patina appearance which adds authenticity, great colour and splendid character.

Dimensions

Height steps max 88cm

Length with steps extended 57cm

Width 40cm

Height as chair 88cm

A wonderful and adaptable chair to steps with design elements of the late 19th century, English gothic revival, a great survivor and excellent condition, all joints are good, no wobbles or losses.

Please request more photos and any questions invited.

Free collection from Lewes, East Sussex.

U.K. delivery available.

We operate a weekly delivery service into London and surrounding areas of the M25 for only £40, please enquire.

We can provide a whole of U.K. weekly delivery service for £65, please enquire for Scotland.

Date of Manufacture

Gilt and Gesso has dated these Gothic Revival Library Steps to the 1880s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
88cm (34.65")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Depth
57cm (22.44")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1146726
Description
Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Metamorphic Chair to Library Steps C1880.

A very fine metamorphic chair to library steps circa 1880 with a wonderful natural patina to the mixed fruitwood and pine construction, just back from professional workshop refurbishing, structurally excellent and entirely useable.

“
A handsome Gothic revival, metamorphic chair to library steps, a superbly stylish design with an established timeworn patina appearance which adds authenticity, great colour and splendid character.
Gilt and Gesso
fig 1. A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges.
fig 1. Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Metamorphic Chair to Library Steps C1880

Dimensions

Height steps max 88cm

Length with steps extended 57cm

Width 40cm

Height as chair 88cm

A wonderful and adaptable chair to steps with design elements of the late 19th century, English gothic revival, a great survivor and excellent condition, all joints are good, no wobbles or losses.

fig 2. A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges.
fig 2. Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Metamorphic Chair to Library Steps C1880

Please request more photos and any questions invited.

Free collection from Lewes, East Sussex.

U.K. delivery available.

We operate a weekly delivery service into London and surrounding areas of the M25 for only £40, please enquire.

We can provide a whole of U.K. weekly delivery service for £65, please enquire for Scotland.

Date of Manufacture

Gilt and Gesso has dated these Gothic Revival Library Steps to the 1880s.

Height
88cm (34.65")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Depth
57cm (22.44")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1146726
Gilt and Gesso
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gilt and Gesso Profile Page

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A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 17
Archive I A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Metamorphic Chair to Library Steps C1880

Archive II A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View II
Archive III A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View III
Archive IV A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View IV
Archive V A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View V
Archive VI A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View VI
Archive VII A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View VII
Archive VIII A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View VIII
Archive IX A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View IX
Archive X A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View X
Archive XI A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View XI
Archive XII A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View XII
Archive XIII A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View XIII
Archive XIV A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View XIV
Archive XV A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View XV
Archive XVI A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View XVI
Archive XVII A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges. View XVII
Enlarged Archival View

Gilt and Gesso
Telephone 07904 423385
Location
East Sussex
BN21 1DJ
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/giltgesso
Verified Since May 2023
Items For Sale 72
Items Sold 337
Gilt and Gesso
Verified Since May 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: East Sussex, BN21 1DJ , United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/giltgesso
Verified
May 2023
For Sale
72
Sold
337
A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges.
Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Metamorphic Chair to Library Steps C1880
Ref: SA1146726
A dark wooden metamorphic library chair converted into steps, featuring trefoil cut-outs on the lower frame and visible hinges.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectChairs
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGothic Revival
  • MaterialOak, Pine
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsTrefoil cut-outs, Hinged folding mechanism, Step treads
  • SizeH 88 cm (35 in) x W 40 cm (16 in) x D 57 cm (22 in)

FAQs

A metamorphic library chair is a piece of dual-purpose furniture designed during the 18th and 19th centuries that transforms from a traditional seating chair into a set of steps used to reach high bookshelves.

These items were predominantly constructed from dense hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, and walnut, often featuring brass hinges and mechanical pivots to facilitate smooth transformation.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit period-appropriate joinery such as hand-cut dovetails or slotted screws, heavy timber construction, natural patina on the treads, and functional iron or brass mechanisms from the era.

They function effectively as functional seating or display stands for books and plants, adding architectural interest and historical character to studies, living rooms, or home offices.

Preserve the wood by dusting with a dry microfibre cloth and applying occasional applications of microcrystalline wax, avoiding direct sunlight and excessive humidity to prevent timber splitting.
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