Shaker Boxes

A Shaker divided carrier made by Heather Ashworth, one of our favorite teachers here at the folk school.

Crafting Shaker Boxes is a skill we have offered in multiple classes, teaching a different variation in each class. Woodworker Heather Ashworth (instagram@madelastnightstudio), our first and most frequent instructor teaches these classes, along with broom making. Much of her materials come from https://www.shakerovalbox.com/, the business created by the late John Wilson, “the Shaker box King.”

I am fascinated by and particularly drawn to the Shaker’s design sense, clearly represented in the “Shaker Box.” It perfectly embodies the simplicity, functionality, durability and subtle beauty the Shakers so valued in their everyday utilitarian objects. It’s a shame these characteristics are too often lacking from our modern utilitarian objects, and resisting the lack of beauty, thoughtfulness, and durability in many modern goods is a major motivation behind the folk school.

But what are Shaker Boxes?

Various forms and sizes of boxes were designed and made by the religious community called the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, better known as “the Shakers,” in the 18th century. The Shakers numbered around 6,000 people living in nineteen different communities ranging from Maine to Kentucky. As an insular community they manufactured most of their own goods and were religiously motivated to create uniform objects with a plain aesthetic which were precisely constructed and easily replicated across communities. They developed a distinct aesthetic seen in their community dwellings and decorative arts. They are outlasted by their furniture and utilitarian objects which continue to be made true to original design and are broadly influential in American design.

The boxes were and are made in many sizes— typically oval, but sometimes round. There are the classic nesting lidded boxes, but also open divided carriers, handled carriers, swinging-handle lidded boxes and others. They were used by the Shakers for pretty much every storage need— for food, tools, transport of goods, sewing kits, etc.

The Shakers sold furniture, boxes and other goods as a way to bring income into their communities, spreading their aesthetic and items across the country as they became very popular. It would be hard to enter a house now and not see the influence of Shaker design in furniture, cabinets, and other household items. I have 20 or so Shaker boxes, carriers and trays in my house, every one serving some function, and wouldn’t mind having more! They really are so useful and help me keep my space uncluttered, but they also serve as a reminder to treasure simplicity.

Shaker boxes really speak to me and represent the motivation behind the folk school. I like to think of them and other traditional hand-made utilitarian crafts such as white-oak baskets or a hand-stitched quilt as “slow goods.” They take time, precision, skill, and quality materials. They will last more than a lifetime, as will the know-how to continue to make them, so long as we keep sharing the knowledge.