Shaker cupboards and shaker doors get their name from the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, more commonly known as Shakers. Originating from Manchester, this religious group were formed in the 18th century after breaking away from the religious group, the Quakers. Before separating from the Quakers, they were known as the Shaking Quakers due to the ecstatic movements they used during worship.
Shakers took so much pride in making their furniture that it looked just as good from the front, side and back. Their designs were durable, simplistic and understated – intricate details and veneers were seen as dishonest practices, with the exception of a small carving of the Shaker’s symbol ‘the tree of life’.