|
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."
|
