The true Shaker kitchen is spotless, ready for hungry workers at 5:30 a.m. — and doubtless the epitome of efficiency and craftsmanship among other things. Mine is not. Quite. Yet. It’s true I took inspiration from the many aspects I have always admired about the Shaker ethic. I have always found their neat, unadorned spaces with their certain self-imposed restraint a principle to emulate. I had to respect their pared-down brevity of design that was nothing, if not practical. Utilitarianism was the chief principle employed in all their endeavours, whether architecture, furniture or farming. They put value on usefulness and efficiency, bringing a sincere honesty to every undertaking. We would not go too far wrong if we were to adopt some of the ideals the Shakers held dear to their hearts.

Pewter Cupboard Dunnville Ontario, c 1820, walnut, beaded doors, fluting detail, Germanic pieshelf, replaced brasses. Original blue paint stripped off by the vendor.

Port Hope, 2001, installed into original frame opening, Original door in original paint. Transom and sidelights with original, paneling and entablature reproduced by Charlie Schlegel.

Hurricane Lamp - New England, c 1860 H 14” D 9.5”