Metamorphic Library Steps/Stool Firmly Attributed to William Gomm

METAMORPHIC MAHOGANY LIBRARY STEPS/STOOL FIRMLY ATTRIBUTED TO WILLIAM GOMM 

CIRCA 1765

This ingenious rectangular stool has four substantial square legs united by a plain stretcher on each long side and joined together by the two ends and two central cross planks. When the stool is turned on its short end the two cross planks and top end combine to form a remarkably stable three stepped library ladder.

Three of the castors are original while five have been sympathetically replaced.

The saddle seat has been upholstered as a flat seat for comfort but can be returned to the saddle shape if required.

Provenance: Stoneleigh Park and by direct descent in the Leigh family

William Gomm born 1698 became a celebrated London cabinetmaker by the 1730s. His most extensive commission was for the 5th Earl of Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from 1763 during a programme of modernisation. The account totalled £818.9s, a substantial sum at the time.

 Although much of the Gomm furniture was sold by Christies in 1981, the present stool was retained by a member of the family from whom it was recently purchased.

 

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