A Bibliophile lives here
A library is one of those never-ending projects, forever evolving, not just the collection, but every new arrival is a much-anticipated joy, as well as the addition of those must-have tokens of bibliophilism. My collection of bookmarks adorned with the beautiful artworks of Andreas Nobmann brings a little smile to my face every time I use them. A bust of Apollo – God of music and poetry sits resplendent on a cast iron plinth, watching over me, raising my spirit as I sit at my writing desk pondering the latest design projects.
However, true bibliophiles would argue that a library is not merely a room of built-in bookcases filled from floor to ceiling with their most treasured tomes, absolutely not! Look around, and you will see those tell-tale signs of a serious bookworm. Bookmarks, magnifying glasses, catalogues and book stands are just a few valuable accoutrements kicking around the interior of a living, breathing library. Still, if you look further, you may come across the ‘Piece de resistance’ propped up against the bookcases – a beautifully crafted hardwood ladder, announcing… “A Bibliophile lives here”.
Maximise your vertical space
A well-designed and crafted library ladder is a thing of beauty and does set a tone to the room, transporting you to another world, turning a row of built-in bookshelves into a potential film set, conjuring up images not unlike the reading rooms of Professor Higgins of ‘My Fair Lady’ fame; a beautifully crafted piece should grace a room with its presents, rather like a fine piece of furniture.
So, if you need to get to a loftier height, all that is required is a bespoke library ladder. Custom-made to fit your library, walk-in robe, Kitchen, or any out-of-reach space. Available in several hardwoods, including American Oak, Mahogany, Rosewood and Tallow wood and in various finishes, lime waxed through to dark antiqued patinas to complement a home library fit-out, commercial or high-end retail project.
Lightweight and elegant
Groth & Sons have a style to suit every situation. Their hook-on system comes in either straight, tapered or cranked rails. These beautiful library accessories are hand-crafted and come in various finishes. The cranked option is for those were floor space is at a premium as the ladder sits in closer to the cabinetry. Never again will your favourite volumes be out of reach. A Groth & Sons bespoke library ladder is a streamlined, lightweight and elegant solution and when not in use they can be retracted to the cabinetry to allow more floor space.
LIBRARY LADDER SYSTEMS
Groth & Sons also offer a sliding ladder system, which glides effortlessly across the front of your cabinetry, whether a bespoke home library, galley kitchen, wine cellar or walk-in robe. A sliding or rolling ladder is not only convenient but will also match the overall aesthetic of your library room and provide a recognisable accessory and a practical addition. Ladder hardware can be supplied in four finishes: oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, black and hammered antique brass. Rails are also available with a radius, enabling the ladder to turn a ninety-degree corner.
HOOK-ON OR ROLLING LADDERS?
So, what type of library ladder best suits your needs? The hook-on system comes in either straight-sided, straight & cranked or tapered, each with hooks that allow for pushing the ladder towards the cabinetry when not in use to free up floor space. The benefits of the hook-on system are that it can be moved around obstacles in the room, such as furniture and be moved from one side of the room to the other or from room to room, which is particularly useful in a narrow area such as a walk-in robe or galley kitchen.
OUTFIT YOUR LIBRARY, YOUR WAY
Groth & Sons hook-on ladder systems come with all the required hardware in polished brass, antiqued brass or bronze Florentine. Also available in brushed stainless steel and a mirror-finished polished chrome, there is a finish to suit every interior space. All library parts are hand-made to order, hand-polished and finished with a refined European micro wax. Polished brass finishes age gracefully, resulting in a natural patina over time.
So, whatever your requirements are for your library space, make sure you contact the very best for their expertise and help make your dreams a reality. For more information on our hook-on and rolling hardware systems, please contact Groth & Sons and we will forward an information sheet explaining our ladder offerings.