Early C19th 'Metamorphic' Oak Library Armchair/ Steps in the Manner of Richard Hicks Bridgens.

Early C19th 'metamorphic' oak library armchair / steps in the manner of Richard Hicks Bridgens (1785-1846).

Rare form of metamorphic oak library armchair and flight of steps in the manner of the architect and designer Richard Hicks Bridgens.

The Elizabethan or Jacobean-inspired 'strap-work' type carved style and design being a recognised feature of Bridgens work . The fold-over action with caned seat converting the armchair to form a flight of 4-tread green baize-lined library steps .

Raised on original lacquered brass cupped porcelain ceramic-wheeled castors , the bobbin-turned and carved button oak frame and uprights folding to form a stable level climbing steps platform.

Fitted with original high-quality gilt-brass hinges , the step treads fitted with the apparently original green baize.

The seat and back panel with original cane .

One arm of the chair with an historically filled brass aperture which perhaps previously held a detachable reading or book-rest , now deficient. The carved frame with 'button' detail carving .

The raked angle back with a central 'oil-cloth' deeply buttoned and 'quilted' upholstery squab back-rest and cane-work reverse. The arms also with upholstered elbow rests , raised on shaped and carved supports. The top rail of the chair-back with carved serpentine shaping . The ball carvings on the uprights of the chair-back serving as feet terminals when the chair is folded open to form the steps format .

Bridgens began his apprenticeship in Liverpool with the renowned cabinet-maker George Bullock before moving to London . After Bullock's death he set up his own business in Birmingham and some of his most well-known work was for James Watt junior at Aston Hall , designing furniture and alterations in the Jacobean style .

The frame and action in excellent original condition. The original cane-work seat in fine condition with no holes or damage.

A skilfully-designed piece of metamorphic library furniture of strong presence , which though undocumented, is strongly attributable , through comparisons of recorded items of similar distinctive stylistic design, to the work of Richard Hicks Bridgens.

H 32" (as chair)

W 21"

D 24"

England c.1835

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