A Pair of Late 20thC Teak Metamorphic Library Steps

Object Description

The well-made pair of metamorphic library steps in solid teak with three treads closing to one, the whole of good colour and surviving from the last quarter of the twentieth century.

Object History

Unknown.

Object Literature

Library steps first appeared in the mid-1700s in offices and private libraries of European nobility. Since bourgeoise houses had an increasing number of specialised rooms, spaces like the library had to be used more efficiently. Therefore, designers build libraries with high ceilings with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. By the 19th century, if you were building a mansion in Victorian London (1830s), or in Gilded Age New York City (1870s), you were drawing up plans for a library.

A handy bit of kit to have around.

Object Condition

The condition of the steps is complete and stable with only some breakdown of the lacquer to the middle step. It bears the mark for the make ‘Frontgate’.

Object Details