Oh I completely agree - in later years, some Shaker designs flew right in
the face of the millenium laws - quite fancy. Some of the structures took
on a highly decorative Victorian look. While it was indeed contructed by
Shakers, it is not in the true "Shaker Style".

I suppose what gets me, is it seems everywhere you look today, magazine
publishers and woodworking book authors throw the term "Shaker" around when
it is for the most part quite unfounded. The logic seems to be "prove that
they didn't have / use this" as apposed to the design being based on
something on display at Hancock or Pleasant Hill, etc.

Brian


"Phisherman" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 2 Mar 2005 17:07:04 -0500, "B Man" wrote:

#1 - definitely ugly. I've seen much better lap desks in Fine
Woodworking,
etc.

#2 - Nothing is "Shaker" about this version of the item. The term
"Shaker"
is used today in ways that would make Mother Ann Lee roll over in her
grave.

#3 - While Shakers would have used lap desks (when on the road selling
seeds, rockers, etc.), they certainly didn't invent the item. In reality,
as far as furniture goes, the Shakers "invented" very little. As most of
the carpeters (male and female) joined the community and were not born
into
it, they also brought with them the skills and influences of the "world".
The style of the day was influenced by the Shaker rule of simplicity in
construction became the Shaker style. Unfortunately, anything that
appears
to be of a simple design is labeled "Shaker" in hopes it will generate
additional interest in the item.


Brian


Brian,

I have many Shaker books, and unless they are wrong, the Shakers had
an amazing amount of inventions. I know there's been some discussion
about the circular saw invented by a sister. But certainly, the
Shakers invented many aspects of furniture building, including the
tilting feet on chairs. Not all "Shaker" furniture was plain and
simple.