Library Steps, Kenwood House

Metamorphic furniture like this table-come-steps became popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Ostensibly a rectangular mahogany table on square legs, the top hinges to release the mechanism which converts the table into library steps. The furniture designer, Thomas Sheraton, published a drawing for this type of side table/steps in his 1794 The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing-Book. He attributes the design to John Campbell, Upholster to the Prince of Wales, later George IV, stating that the type was first made for King George III.

The only exterior evidence of the table’s mechanism is visible hinge barrels on one short edge and a brass button catch on the opposite short edge. When the catch is released, the table top hinges open so that one end rests on the floor. Within the frieze section of the table are hinged the upper section of a step ladder, on an easel support, the feet of which sit in the outside of two recesses, which have been cut to accommodate the thickness of folded hinges when the ladder and table top are closed.

To either side of the easel support lie the folding hand rails, each in four sections. The hand rails are fixed with hinges to the front of the inner support frames of the mechanism, and with iron rivets through the top of the side rails of the step ladder. There are three intermediate hinges that allow the handrail to fold. When in use the hand rail is held rigid by a hinged iron hook, spanning the space between the upper upright of the step ladder and the hand rail.

Overlooking London’s Hampstead Heath since the early 17th century, Kenwood House was transformed in the 18th century into a grand neoclassical villa. Now restored to its Georgian splendour, Kenwood is home to a world-famous art collection.