Hand Turned Shaker Furniture by John Benson

The Shaker communities...

The Shaker communities in the United States in the early to middle years of the 19th century developed an extraordinarily refined style of furniture. They were inspired by a profound belief in good workmanship as a form of worship, and by a concern that there should be simplicity and utility in every article made for the use of the members of the community: ’All work done or made in the Church for their own use ought to be faithfully and well done, but plain and without superfluity’.

Designs

This site shows a selection of small Shaker designs that can be made to order. I am happy to quote for other designs, whether authentic Shaker designs, or original designs in Shaker style

Woods

The Shakers built their furniture from timber felled in their own woodlands. I use local timber when possible and do my best to ensure that whatever I use comes from sustainably managed sources. All the pieces illustrated are built from English cherry and Scots pine. I also work in other English hardwoods, especially oak and ash.