A REGENCY OAK METAMORPHIC LIBRARY ARMCHAIR, CIRCA 1815, AFTER THE DESIGN BY MORGAN AND SANDERS |

the moulded top rail above a pierced lotus carved mid rail and over-scrolled arms above a caned drop-in seat with a later green leather squab cushion, folding to reveal four leather-lined treads on moulded sabre legs

Anonymous sale, Sotheby's London, 12 February 1999, lot 137

In good restored condition and ready to place. With later leather squab cushion and insets to tread. Please note caned drop-in seat dislodges easily when chair used as steps. Generally with minor chips, scuffs and scratches consistent with age and use.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This armchair follows a design by the London firm of Morgan and Sanders, published in Ackermann's Repository in July 1811. Morgan and Sanders were specialists in the manufacture of 'metamorphic' furniture of this kind and held the patent for this particular model, which was known as the 'Patent Metamorphic Library Chair' (see G.B. Hughes, 'Regency Patent Furniture', Country Life, 2 January 1958, pp.10-12, and B. Austen, 'Morgan and Sanders and the Patent Furniture Makers of Catherine Street', Connoisseur, vol. 187, no. 753, November 1974, pp.180-191.)