Miranda and Charles first met in art school in England in 1979. After college they each set out in different directions to be trained in the workshops of some of the world's most renowned craftspeople. This preparation provided the skills and attention to detail that has strengthened their understanding that the care of making objects by hand gives life to their work.

After several years of training and independent work, Miranda and Charles happened to meet again in Vermont. They married and set up individual workshops which allowed them to continue refining their crafts.

Over time, it became more and more obvious that their shared philosophy about the importance of handwork should lend itself to a joint effort producing hand-made objects for the home. Today, Charles Shackleton Furniture and Miranda Thomas Pottery, the workshops that make up ShackletonThomas, consist of a group of personally trained individuals who share their philosophy.