Designer James Ryan (b.1972) has been working on a series of different library steps since 2001. His latest design is Aspire III. It is made in rare English walnut which has been sculpted by hand to give the piece gently flowing lines that feel soft to the touch.

The steps are upholstered in leather supplied and fitted by Bill Amberg Studios. The vegetable-tanned hide comes from Tuscany. The steps are held together using the centuries-old technique of draw-bored mortice and tenon joints. The steps were made by Ian Towers at the Edward Barnsley Workshop in Froxfield, Hampshire.

The piece sits on three legs, so it is always stable. It is 168 cm high, 86 cm deep and 58 cm wide. The top step is 80 cm from the ground.

The Barnsley Workshop stamp and edition number can be found on the inside of the leg below the bottom step.

This piece is the first in a limited edition of twelve.