The Complete Shaker Collection is a comprehensive guide to the history, art, and culture of the Shakers, a religious group known for their simple and elegant crafts and furniture. The book includes detailed information on the Shakers’ beliefs and practices, their economy and society, and their contributions to American culture. It also features photographs and descriptions of over 300 Shaker objects, including furniture, textiles, accessories, and tools.
The Shakers, or the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, originated as a small group of English Quakers in the 18th century. They believed in communal living, celibacy, and the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit. In the 1770s, they migrated to America and settled in New York, where they established communities in the Hudson Valley and nearby areas. By the mid-19th century, the Shakers had about 6,000 members and 19 villages in eight states.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Shakers was their dedication to simplicity and honesty in everything they did. They believed that beauty and usefulness were inseparable, and that objects should be made with skill and care, but without embellishment or excess. They also placed a high value on work and industry, and encouraged every member to contribute to the community’s self-sufficiency and prosperity.
The Shakers’ approach to design and craftsmanship resulted in a unique style that has become widely admired and collected. Shaker furniture, for example, is characterized by clean lines, sturdy construction, and functional features such as drawers, shelves, and pegs. Chairs, tables, cabinets, and other pieces were often made in series, using standardized measurements and proportions, but individualized with variations in wood types, finishes, and details.
Despite their austerity, Shaker objects are often considered works of art as well as everyday items. Their simplicity and precision convey a sense of grace and harmony, and their durability and functionality make them appealing to modern tastes as well as historical interests. Shaker crafts also reflect the group’s attention to detail and innovation. They invented several useful tools and machines, such as washing machines, clothespins, and seeders, and their textiles and clothing were renowned for their quality and design.
The Complete Shaker Collection provides a thorough introduction to the diverse range of Shaker crafts and artifacts, as well as their social and spiritual context. The book is organized into six sections, each focused on a different aspect of Shaker culture:
1. Beginnings: This section covers the origins of the Shaker movement, including the life and teachings of its founder, Mother Ann Lee. It also explains the basic tenets of Shakerism, such as celibacy, communal living, and the rejection of violence and materialism.
2. The Society: This section explores the daily life of the Shakers, including their work, worship, and hierarchy. It also examines the role of women, children, and converts in the society, as well as the challenges and successes of the community.
3. The Products: This section showcases over 300 Shaker objects, arranged by category such as furniture, textiles, tools, and household items. Each object is accompanied by a full-color photograph, a description of its function and features, and information on its provenance and history.
4. The Crafts: This section delves deeper into the techniques and aesthetics of Shaker crafts, including woodworking, weaving, knitting, and basketry. It also features insights from contemporary craftspeople who have been inspired by the Shaker tradition.
5. The Legacy: This section examines the impact of the Shakers on American culture and design, from the influence of their aesthetics on modernism and minimalism to the preservation of their historic sites and collections.
6. Appendices: This section includes additional resources for those interested in learning more about the Shakers, such as a glossary of terms, a chronology of important events, and a list of museums and research institutions.
The Complete Shaker Collection is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the Shakers, their crafts, and their legacy. It provides a comprehensive overview of a fascinating and influential religious community, and offers a wealth of visual and textual information on their art and culture. Whether as a reference book, a coffee table tome, or a source of design inspiration, The Complete Shaker Collection is a must-have for anyone who loves beauty, simplicity, and history.
Posted by Popular Woodworking on 2009-05-04 16:55:25