‘Aspire III’ Library Steps

Two-Step Version

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 Simon at the Edward Barnsley Workshop in Froxfield, Hampshire.

The piece sits on three legs, so it is always stable. It is 126 cm high, 72 cm deep and 48 cm wide. The top step is 40 cm from the ground.

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