The Industrial Revolution fostered a profound and enduring public fascination with the mechanical innovations of the era. Such rapid innovation during the 18th and early 19th centuries were met with curiosity and wonder at seemingly fantastical advents. Interest in the mechanical world was brought to a head in London by attractions such as the James Cox automata museum in 1772 and Merlin’s Mechanical Museum in Hanover Square in 1783. This burgeoning interest with the novelty of the mechanical world created a desire for people to experience and admire the spectacle of innovation within their own homes. Consequently, patents for metamorphic furniture began to emerge.
11224 – 19th Century Jupe Circular Mahogany Extending Dining Table
“Metamorphic” or “dual-purpose” furniture, an innovation of the 18th and 19th centuries, pioneered furniture designs which, as the names suggest, transformed from one form of furniture into another through a series of mechanisms or hinges — from a chair or desk into a series of steps or a card table. These pieces were distinctly marked by the era which produced them and as such are typically in the Regency or Neoclassical design of 19th century fashion.
11088 – 19th Century ‘Jupe’ style extendable dining table
Metamorphic and dual-purpose furniture both served a practical purpose while also fulfilling the ever-important role of delighting and entertaining homeowners. It has been suggested that the functionality of the pieces arose from space-saving requirements demanded by the population increase of the industrial revolution and the subsequent crowded town dwellings. That being said, the popularity of these pieces likely stemmed from a combination of their practical function and the delighted amusement their innovative designs inspired.
11419 – 19th Century Regency mahogany metamorphic library chair
The first arrival within the class of metamorphic furniture was that of the Library Chair, first patented by Robert Campbell in 1774 in Great Britian. The Library Chair served the dual function of both a chair and a series of steps — presumably to reach elevated books within a library. The patent did not gain traction with consumers until the early 19th century when the adoption of Regency and Neoclassical styles furthered the appeal of the design.
11419 – 19th Century Regency mahogany metamorphic library chair
At O’Sullivan Antiques we have our very own exquisite example of the Library Chair design, alongside a variety of unique metamorphic furniture dating from the Georgian period. We hope you enjoy these delightful pieces as much as we do. For any inquiries, please email info@osullivanantiques.com. We are always happy to hear from you.
