Richard Haver, Furnituremaker

Who I Am, What I Do

I've been making furniture (and a few wood canoes) for over 25 years. In that time I've progressed from the simple foursquare Mission and Shaker styles to one that I find hard to neatly characterize. My work attempts to surprise, show an "energy" residing in the piece, be fluid and organic to some degree, and incorporate the world's most beautiful woods. I specialize in small to medium tables because they maximize the aesthetic return for the effort and materials used.

I live in Shoreham, Vermont a rural place even for the most rural state in the nation. Vermont, New Hampshire, and much of New England has had a long history of fine furniture making. The area offers outlets for my work in many fine galleries. I am juried-in and exhibit my work at all Frog Hollow Galleries which has Vermont State Craft Center designation. I am a state-juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and exhibit my work at several of their galleries. I also have work in the Gallery on the Green in Woodstock, VT, Center Street Artisans in Rutland, VT, Long River Studio in Lyme, NH, and the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA.

Winter Shop

I've no formal woodworking education and have learned much of what I know the slow, hard way. One thing I've learned is that there are few quick and easy shortcuts. In this era of globalization, designer brands are ubiquitous and cheap, serviceable imported furniture is available at every furniture store. Custom furniture makers like me offer a way to individualize and personalize the end product. I encourage my prospective customers to engage in the design of their furniture. Within my comfort zone of style and technique I'm very flexible. I've sent wood samples to customers who need them in their decision making, spent months between first contact and final decision on design, and made some furniture I hadn't thought of all because I enjoy the give and take of customer-involved design. I find that customers are more personally committed to the piece and ultimately enjoy it more when they've been inside the designing of it.

House and Shop in Fall

I encourage folks to visit me in my shop. Please call before visiting.