Designer James Ryan (b.1972) has been working on a series of different library steps since 2001. His latest design is Aspire IV. This version is made in rare bog oak from the ‘Hemplands Haul’ – a collection trees that were submerged in the East Anglian Fens for around 5,000 years.

The wood has been sculpted using hand tools and then wire brushed to give the piece gently flowing lines that feel soft to the touch.

The steps are held together using the centuries-old technique of draw-bored mortice and tenon joints. The steps were made by Jacob Janoff and Andrew Marsh at the Barnsley Workshop in Froxfield, Hampshire.

The piece sits on three legs, so it is always stable. It is 149 cm high, 75 cm deep and 54 cm wide. The top step is 60 cm from the ground.

The Barnsley Workshop stamp and makers’ marks can be found underneath the top step.

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