This English Metamorphic Chair is shown unfolded into four steps, as well as how it normally would be seen as a sitting chair.
English Metamorphic Chair c. 1815
Christopher and Rebecca Gore owned many pieces of furniture that served multiple purposes. Christopher Gore, with his vast interests in science, art, and technology, would have enjoyed the inventiveness of these dual-action pieces. This clever chair, for example, could convert from a comfortable seat into stairs, allowing one to reach for books high atop the shelves in his library.
This piece is also a great example of Neoclassical design, which was popular in the early 1800s. Neoclassicism refers to ideals in art and architecture that harken back to Classical Greek and Roman design. Throughout the Mansion, you will notice many pieces of art and architectural details that exemplify these ideals in the Federal period. For example, this chair's curved back, arms, and legs were common in Neoclassic design.
