Shaker items

Simple Gifts

The Shakers were a Christian sect from England, who settled in North Eastern USA in 1774. The guiding Shaker principles of utility, humbleness, honesty, and simplicity, using locally available materials, had a profound effect on their crafts and design, on their homes, furniture, domestic items and lifestyle. Their gentle forms and elegance fit well in any interior, a calming influence and simple gift to us in our busy and complex lives.

I have made these boxes, trays, baskets and bowls using European and North American hardwoods; the sides are in solid wood, thinned down to make tight bends possible; the lid and bottom panels are veneered plywood, for greater durability. The wood is made pliable by soaking it in a bath of boiling water, and then bending it around a template. Heat plasticises the wood, the water is the heat carrier. Copper tacks, or rivets, clinch the bands together, no glue. After smoothing and assembling all the parts, I finish the surfaces with lacquer, then with a clear, hard wax. Wood is an incredibly durable material, and, with care, these Shaker-inspired items could become a family heirloom, passed down the generations.

I have my work in a number of galleries around the United Kingdom. If you are interested in selling my work at your gallery please contact me for wholesale prices. I am happy to sell direct to the public and have to match the retail price, but can offer free shipping within the UK. Please contact me if you wish to discuss a purchase.

The Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts”

Simple-Gifts-Pricelist-retail-prices

Simple Gifts products

No. 29 in black walnut — No. 29 In black walnut

No. 1 in European oak, with black walnut bentwood handle

No. 1 in North American cherry, with black walnut bentwood handle

No. 23 European oak fruit in use in a satisfied customer's home.

No. 3 in North American cherry, with black walnut tray handle

No. 3 in European oak with black walnut tray handle

No. 3 black walnut, with tray handle in North American cherry

No. 3 in black walnut with tray handle in North American cherry

No. 28 in North American cherry with European walnut lid

No. 28 In North American cherry and European walnut lid

No. 22 in North American cherry and black walnut handle

No. 5 in black walnut, with Indian rosewood tray

No. 9 in European oak and masur birch lid

No. 9 in European oak with masur birch lid

No. 23, left black walnut, right European oak

No. 28 in North American cherry and figured European walnut lid

Large bespoke box commissioned for a wedding

Making

Every box, tray, basket, bowl and item of furniture I make gets my mark stamped on it. It signifies my promise to those who have my work that I have made for them a high quality and durable product that will give a lifetime of service.