Making Authentic Shaker Furniture

Over 250 photographs and measured drawings for over 80 classic Shaker designs: cradle, dry sink, trestle table, lap desk, rocking chair, many more. 262 halftones. 140 black-and-white line illustrations.

This splendid book describes and illustrates in detail how the Shakers designed, built, and finished their furniture and household articles. With its detailed text as well as over 250 photographs and measured drawings for over 80 classic pieces, it offers woodworkers and furniture enthusiasts a practical guide to the essentials of replicating a broad range of designs long admired for their sturdy practicality and their spare, elegant beauty. The book first chronicles and describes the Shaker movement and the Shaker way of living, worshiping, and working. It then explores the Shaker approach to furniture design (from chests and chairs to boxes and baskets), construction (including all joinery techniques), and finishing (including recipes for finishes). Three important sections of the book depict dozens of classic Shaker designs, complete with measured drawings. The designs include Shaker "smallcraft" such as a cutting board, scoop, candle sconce, peg-leg footstool and towel rack; more substantial "utility designs" such as a dough bin, cradle, dry sink, butcher block, and bonnet box; and furniture classics such as a Harvard trestle table, maple chair, lap desk, sewing chest, rocking chair, bed, settee and chest of drawers — each in its own distinctive way defining the simple, practical grace of Shaker design.

The Shakers produced many incredible furniture objects that we continue to venerate today. For the woodworker the fascination is often rooted in the essential simplicity of the work. Interest in Shaker design is as strong today as it was when the first edition of this book was published in 1977, possibly stronger. This ongoing interest is the direct result of the inherent beauty of Shaker design—beauty that stems not only from form, but from superb workmanship, a commitment to utility and a total understanding of material.

A comprehensive, amply illustrated guide illustrates the simple, functional furniture style developed during the Shaker movement--a successful experiment in communitarian living--and traces its evolution from the Colonial styles of New York and New England

This book documents Shaker furniture from communities in New England, Ohio, and Kentucky throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Free-standing tables, chairs, desks, boxes, and case clocks and built-in cupboards and cases of drawers are included. The text provides a detailed account of Shaker history, culture, and religion. Further, it examines Shaker design and tools, reporting new research on the Shaker color palette.

An illustrated reference guide to furniture making, including material characteristics and properties, necessary equipment, techniques, and tips on component construction, veneering, marquetry and inlaying.

Carefully detailed, time-tested guides to building Shaker furniture and woodenware.