So much to love about this store. First-off, it's an utter feast for the eyes. If you happen to visit while one of Miranda's black-carved dragon platters is hanging on the wall, consider yourself blessed. Marvel at the smooth, sturdy strength of a hand-planed table. And get lost in the selection of curated items that they stock -- including interesting books on all kinds of topics from Ernest Shackleton (one of Charles's not-so-distant ancestors) to farm-to-table cookery, fountain pens, and local maple syrup. The proprietors, Charles and Miranda, are usually buzzing around somewhere. They are two of the friendliest business owners I've met and will take time out of their day to talk to you about their lives and work in this part of the world. They will make you long for the New England country life...also, if you're tempted by a mug, talk to Miranda. She has some wonderful thoughts on mugs and how they accompany us through our daily lives and should therefore be functional and beautiful and make you happy every time you use them (this is basically the overarching philosophy of ST)...your choice of mug says a lot about you, apparently...just try not to overthink it ;) The prices are commensurate with the long and loving labor that goes into each piece -- which means that I'll be saving up for my first Shackleton Thomas four poster bed (or maybe cocktail cabinet?) for the best part of my career. But do not fear! Thanks to the wonderful selection of pottery "seconds" that make it to the shelves, a unique mug or cereal bowl are within reach of every budget. Definitely do check out the seconds (bits of pottery pieces that didn't make the cut -- think: a tiny smudge of glaze where it shouldn't be, or a decorative rabbit with one ear slightly bigger than the other made by an apprentice potter). All three of the mugs I've bought here have been seconds (less than $35 each, I think) and I think their tiny flaws make them even more beautiful than the "perfect" version. In fact, I am about to drink my morning coffee from my favorite Devonshire mug (I love the combination of rough and smooth, and the understated, earthy tones). All-in-all, definitely stop by if you're in the area. You will leave inspired and humbled by ST's commitment to creating beautiful and useful (and never pretentious) objects by hand, and with a new (and better) reason to save your pennies! read more

Loved their wood furniture and ceramics. I especially loved the wood table with the gold inlaid Enjoyed seeing the woodworking tools. The woman that works there is very knowledgeable and will share with you Shakleton's history, when he got started, etc. read more

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I'll admit that sometimes I fall into the rut of online shopping for the cheapest thing, but there was something sort of magical about walking into ShackletonThomas and being reacquainted with beautiful, handmade things that honor the tradition of their craft. In fact, just exploring the space made me feel more present, as if time slows down when you stop to appreciate well-made things. Moreover, the customer service was excellent: not only was everyone I interacted with extremely kind and helpful, but I even learned a few things (for example: how to tell what kind of material a mug is made out of by holding it in against the light). I went home with the most beautiful robin egg blue Miranda Thomas Pottery mug, but I wish I had picked up a few more things. I will definitely be returning to the store in the future. read more

Beautiful furniture and pottery - I've been lucky enough to see a lot of their work over the years and someday I aspire to fill a home with it. There genuinely is a difference you can feel when you look at and touch handmade work - I'm especially thinking of their tables, planed by hand, giving their surfaces character and texture. On top of all that, Charles and Miranda are warm, intellectually curious and generous with their time. Even if you're not looking to buy anything, it's worth stopping in, checking out the showroom and chatting up the artisans. read more

First off, the most unfriendly kid store I have ever been to in my life. Actually this is the most unfriendly store I have ever been in. EVER! They managed to insult my family within 5 minutes by only saying a single sentence to us. Please allow me to explain. I have 4 children (8y,6y,3y and 5m). My children might be the best behaved kids you have ever seen, no seriously, "every" place we visit we get complimented by strangers on how well our kids behave. They have walked around Simon Pearce's place "unsupervised" and the staff there have even complimented them on their actions. We came to this store to look at buying a king size bed because we have outgrown our queen bed. I've heard from many people how amazing their furniture is so while we were in town during a trip to look at property we figured we'd stop in. From the best I could figure there were 3 sales associates there and we were the only ones in the store. We stopped to look at the entertainment stand at the entrance. probably for a good 2-3 min. I was really impressed with the craftsmanship of this piece. As my wife made her way two the two beds they had on display (with 3 year old holding my wife's hand) a sales associate approached my wife and said "just make sure none of them touch anything" and kept walking. I didn't hear the sales associate say this but the look on my wife's face, as her jaw hit the floor, had me very concerned. I asked my wife what had happened and she told me. At this point there were no sales associates anywhere. I waited in the show room for another 3-5min because I wanted to talk to someone; no one showed. We left to see what other stores were in the building and then came back, still no sales people willing to talk to us. Never in my life have I experienced anything like this. I own my own business, I make very high end materials, and would be ashamed if this is the only thing my associate said to a "future" client. What would have been better to say would be: "Hello, how may I help you? If you wouldn't mind keeping an eye on your children we would appreciate it, we had some kids in here last week and they cause some serious damage to one of our pieces and now the piece has to be reworked." then I would have said: "girls get over here; don't touch a thing in this store, most of this stuff cost more than our suv and if you scratch anything it's coming out of your college funds". If this is how things happened; most likely we would have bought a bed and I know my wife has been asking for a new kitchen table... Pros: I have an eye for imperfections, their furniture is top notch. I'd buy it if I could buy it from the craftsman and not the sales associate. Cons: I know nothing about their furniture, the only thing I do know is their furniture is extremely non-kid friendly (fragile? maybe their finish has lead in it and that's why they don't want the kids touching it). If you are going to shop here leave your kids in the pizza shop next door, you might get a better repose from their staff. read more

ShackletonThomas has some of the most amazing pottery and furniture I've ever seen. My girlfriend and I spent a few nights in Woodstock and made our way up on the short drive for the town. Definitely worth the stop. Their showroom is beautiful, featuring a wide selection of pottery and hand carved wooden furniture. Most of their works are pretty expensive, but we got some seconds and a few of their normal stock items for gifts. Their artisans work onsite, and we spent some time talking to one of the women working in the pottery studio and in the furniture factory upstairs. Everyone was really nice and happy to talk to us. Before we left, Miranda Thomas, one of the owners, showed up at the store and talked to us for a while. She was genuinely enthusiastic explaining her work and her background. Really worth a stop. Their pottery is fantastic and makes a great gift. read more

I love the pottery at this place - I order most of my Christmas presents from their website. Never been in person but I still have at least one of all of the mugs hanging in my kitchen... Handmade and gorgeous, dishwasher friendly, and perfect size. Highly recommend read more

The most exquisite furniture in the country, all displayed in a show room so cozy and nonchalantly elegant you'll want to move right in. Every time I'm in the area I make a point to come! read more

Simply exquisite - a primer on how to live well now. Shackleton Thomas is one of the best kept secrets of the contemporary design scene. Their hand-made wares are richly steeped in tradition, with intimate connections to daily life as it is lived in our time. Start with one of Miranda's kiln-fired mugs, bowls or tea pots, and a handmade bread board or serving tray by Charlie, and feel how much color texture and joy they can add to your life. The shop in Rutland, VT at the mill is a lively and happy place, and all are welcome. Stop in - you'll be glad you did! read more

An idyll of a place. Charlie and Miranda, who run the store, are the kind of couple that make you just feel better about the world. They care so much about the things they make and it shows - the furniture and pottery are beautiful - full of their warmth and loving crafts(wo)manship. read more