Above all, avoid rushing.
"Is that Shaker style?" we are asked this question every now and then when we present our rocking chairs. Not exactly, but similar. What exactly is Shaker design?
This is best understood by looking a little into the history of the Shakers. The Shakers formed in the 18th century in England around Ann Lee from a splinter group of the Quakers. The Shakers became known for their whirling and shaking during religious experiences. Often met with hostility because of her behavior, Ann Lee emigrated to America in 1774 with eight people and founded the first Shaker settlement. After the first difficult years, she gained several followers in the northern states of America and further Shaker colonies were founded. Over time, the Shaker principles took shape: equality, modesty, confession and faith. Outside the community center and church services, peace and order prevailed, and every Shaker was subordinate to the well-being of the community.
Shaker furniture is considered to be a true work of art. According to their philosophy, furniture was made simply - without frills and decorations. However, it was made with perfection and the greatest possible care. In the Shaker museums (e.g. Hancock Shaker Village In Massachusetts, rocking chairs, cabinets, dressers and the extraordinary oval chipboard boxes with their dovetail joints can be admired.
The Shakers' lifestyle, celibacy and unmarriedness had a negative impact on their survival. The last Shaker community in Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, Maine, has eight members and its museum welcomes visitors. A small number of Shaker originals such as chipboard boxes and wool are also available for purchase there. Now it is understandable why Shaker originals fetch a high price in antique shops. New Shaker furniture, on the other hand, is reproductions made in the Shaker style from all over the world.
