Antique Oak Library Steps made for Gonville Caius College Circa 1840

For Sale: £56,500.00

In the 1790s, furniture designer Thomas Sheraton noted that some library steps had a small book rest at the top “so that a gentleman, when he is looking at any book in his library, may note down a passage from it without the trouble of going down again”.

These library steps were made for the Gonville Caius College, Cambridge circa 1840. Their carved elements show the hand of ecclesiastical as well as secular craftsmanship which is typical of the first half of the 19th century. Even the smallest details, such as free flowing curves and scrolls, have been executed with flair and a natural feeling for the timber restrained only by the disciplines of the period.

These steps were originally in the Gonville Caius College and have since been in private ownership.

Height overall 76”. To top step 39”. Depth overall 43”. Width 21.5”.