A STEETON company renowned globally for its stairlifts has had a foray into the art world.

An Acorn Stairlifts product is featuring in an exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre UK, in London.

The firm went to the aid of acclaimed German artist Matthias Sohr when a stairlift, which formed the focal point of his exhibit, failed to arrive from Italy.

Just four hours after the SOS was issued, a stairlift was delivered by Acorn to the venue in The Strand.

Exhibition curator, Je Yun Moon, praised the company for its speedy response.

And she said Mr Sohr's piece, Life Is A Staircase, had become a star attraction at the event.

"The stairlift is a vital part of a unique, eye-catching installation and it has definitely turned the heads of many of our visitors," she added.

"Thanks to Acorn's quick action and generosity, Matthias Sohr's situation went from being our biggest art disaster to this exhibition's greatest success story.

"All the eyes of the international curating elite are on Matthias, who is at a pivotal time in his art career – this exhibition simply could not have opened without his stairlift!

"We were let down at the very last minute by another stairlift manufacturer, but with less than 24 hours to go we found Acorn's website and made the SOS call. They acted immediately.

"This means so much to the centre and has allowed us to put on a great exhibition."

Acorn company secretary, Dave Belmont, said the request was a first for the firm but it was delighted to help.

All it asked for in exchange was a donation to Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, Manorlands.

"We were thrilled to be able to help such an exciting, unique project – it's like nothing we've ever been involved with before," said Mr Belmont.

"Acorn can install a stairlift within hours of receiving an order, even on special curved staircases, so getting to London on time was an easy task for us.

"We donate scores of stairlifts each year to charities, hospices and people in need.

"We know our stairlifts are good but this is the first time they've been considered a work of art!"

The exhibition, Koo Jeong A: Riptide, runs until November 19.