| About William M. Richardson
Mr. Richardson's pursuit of perfection of the Shaker style has been recently recognized by his inclusion in Early American Life magazine's 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 directory of top traditional craftsmen in the United States.
Intrigued by the ability for wood to be bent into simple but elegant designs that not only have timeless beauty but contemporary functionality, Mr. Richardson produces museum quality boxes from his Suffolk Shaker Shop in Suffolk, Virginia.
Mr. Richardson's interest in woodworking began over twenty years ago as a hobby for a form of relaxation. He developed an interest and appreciation for Shaker oval boxes not only because of their simplicity and functionality, but for their simple beauty. Once he bent his first band, he knew he was hooked. He takes special pride in making unique oval boxes out of fine wood such as cherry, walnut, maple, lace wood, and old growth quarter sawn three hundred year old heart pine he finds from salvaged timbers of old buildings being torn down. Bill uses the original copper tacks to secure the hand cut swallow tail finger joints as in days of old. He also uses original "Milk Paint" for a number of his nesting boxes. Bill's Shaker boxes are well received from those individuals who can appreciate fine craftsmanship and he has some of his boxes on display at local art museums. "These items are made to be passed down through generations."
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Shaker Oval Boxes
Oval boxes were the most popular item the Shakers offered to the "outside" world. They are just as popular today. Originally produced for their practicality (nesting boxes inside each other required little storage space) and utility (almost anything and everything was stored in these durable containers), they have become collector items for their simple beauty. They are fashioned from either Pennsylvania cherry wood, black walnut, maple, old fashioned milk paint and for the tops we use various other beautiful woods such as birdseye maple, quilted maple, lacewood, heart pine, zebra wood to name a few. These boxes are finished with natural Danish oil, three coats of clear lacquer spray and lots of hand sanding and rubbing in between to give them the beautiful satin finish our customers have come to appreciate. |
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Shaker Oval Carriers
An adaptation of oval carriers constructed by Shaker craftsmen of yesterday, our design adds a graceful hardwood handle to a fine shaker box to produce this contemporary variation of a classic. As an organizer or server, this piece lends itself to a lifetime of around the home usefulness. A tasteful blend of the past and present. |
 A nineteenth century classic "The Shaker" with its gracefully bent
handle exhibits superior workmanship in every way. Equally suited to
holding the sister's sewing or knitting needs, they were also used in
the harvesting of herbs and fruits. Filled with dried or fresh flowers,
they make a decorative focus.
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