Shaker Style

The Shakers are a breakaway sect of the Quaker religion who came from England to New York in 1776. With a desire to draw closer to God, they moved to a new land where they could pursue their ideals of celibacy, confession of sin and hard labour. The Shakers developed a simple, unadorned furniture style, which by 1820 was sought after for its durability, ingenious construction, and elegance. Mount Lebanon, the home of the Shaker Central Ministry, began to mass-produce distinctive patented ladder-back chairs with cane seats and simple finials. Typical woods used by the Shakers were maple, birch, chestnut, butternut and honey pine.

The Maltwood's "Rocking Chair," is made of walnut. With simple finials, one ladder-back rung and a cane seat, this chair shows similarities to the classic Shaker chair in its unadorned style and clean lines.

Layla Bloom
Curatorial Assistant

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