Commissioned and authorized by the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community (the Alfred Shakers moved to Sabbathday Lake in 1931), our Alfred Village Rocking Chair and Side Chair are more than just reproductions--they are a return to production for the first time since the first half of the 19th century. In fact, they are the only Shaker chairs in the world commissioned by the living Shaker Community!
Made by hand and with many of the same historic processes that the original Shakers used, each is crafted using measurements taken from one of the finest specimens in the Shaker collection. Both feature a tall bent back and hand-scribed markings--and in the case of the Rocking Chair--mortised rockers, and elegantly sculpted front posts and arms. Each also has the distinctive Alfred pommel, which was unique to that community. Assembled in the traditional manner using only precise joinery, glue, and wooden pins, each chair is finished to match the originals with an authentic hand-brushed and rubbed milk paint, which is then sealed with oil. Next, each seat is woven in a checkerboard pattern with Shaker Flame tape, which is itself a historic Shaker pattern. Lastly, each chair is numbered and branded with the authorized mark of the Shaker Society.
NOTE: Starting in 2016, the Shakers are permitting these chairs to be made from our other furniture woods, finishes/paints, and seating colors and patterns!
We are pleased to note that a substantial portion--over 30%--of the proceeds from each sale goes to the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Museum and their work to tell and preserve the story of this community. These chairs are an honor to beyond belief to craft, and we are incredibly thankful to both the Sabbathday Lake Shakers and Chilton Furniture, who brought us together, for this collaboration.
Before ordering, please review important information regarding lead time, shipping policies, refunds, returns, and exchanges.
Dimensions for Historically Proportioned Models (for Modern Proportions add 2" to width measurements)
Side Chair (approximate):
Seat-15 1/2"H x 16"W x 11 1/2"D
Overall-43 1/2"H x 19"W x 19"D
Rocking Chair (approximate):
Seat-14 1/2"H x 17"W x 13"D
Overall-43 1/2"H x 20 1/2"W x 29"D
Height of Arms-24"
