About us and our work
The Shakers came from England in 1774, and by 1850 grew from a membership of nine to approximately 6,000 in villages throughout the eastern and central United States. Today, membership is small again, but this does not take away from the lasting mark that generations of Shaker Brothers and Sisters have made on our American heritage. Shaker furniture has been a major creative force in our decorative arts heritage because it is the one truly original American style of furniture. Its clear crisp lines and singular lightness (with no sacrifice in strength) fit equally well into both modern interiors and more traditional settings.
Shaker Workshops was founded in 1970 in Massachusetts with the purpose of reproducing original Shaker furniture as faithfully as possible. To this day, Shaker Workshops furniture is produced by skilled craftspeople from throughout New England.
No aspect of Shaker history is more important in our minds than their reputation in business. “Their upright dealing and strict honesty, individually and collectively, all persons can testify to who have ever been brought into business relations with them. No Shaker was known to make a false statement in relation to any business transaction whatever.” So wrote Charles F. Robinson in his 1893 history of the Shakers. At Shaker Workshops, we think about this often. While we are not Shakers, we are honored to continue in the footsteps of their crafting tradition, and we continually seek to live up to that high standard.
Shaker Workshops was founded in 1970 in Massachusetts with the purpose of reproducing original Shaker furniture as faithfully as possible. To this day, Shaker Workshops furniture is produced by skilled craftspeople from throughout New England.
No aspect of Shaker history is more important in our minds than their reputation in business. “Their upright dealing and strict honesty, individually and collectively, all persons can testify to who have ever been brought into business relations with them. No Shaker was known to make a false statement in relation to any business transaction whatever.” So wrote Charles F. Robinson in his 1893 history of the Shakers. At Shaker Workshops, we think about this often. While we are not Shakers, we are honored to continue in the footsteps of their crafting tradition, and we continually seek to live up to that high standard.
