The Complete Shaker Collection is a comprehensive guide to the history, culture, and craftsmanship of the Shaker community, known for its simplicity, functionality, and timeless sense of design. This collection includes a vast array of beautiful and functional objects that showcase the Shaker aesthetic, from furniture and textiles to baskets and boxes, as well as a wealth of information about the Shaker way of life, beliefs, and practices.
The Shakers were a religious community that emerged in England in the 18th century and later migrated to the United States. They were known for their devotion to celibacy, communal living, and a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle that emphasized industry, humility, and honesty. The Shakers also developed a distinctive style of architecture, art, and design that embodied their values and beliefs, and which continues to inspire designers and collectors today.
The Shaker aesthetic is characterized by a focus on clean lines, natural materials, and efficient use of space. Shaker furniture, for example, is renowned for its simplicity, functionality, and durability, with its minimalist design featuring clean, straight lines, and precise proportions. Shaker textiles, ceramics, and kitchenware are similarly utilitarian, with an emphasis on functionality and ease of use.
At the same time, however, the Shakers also infused their creations with a sense of grace and beauty, using natural materials such as wood, wool, and straw, and incorporating subtle decorative elements such as turned spindles, woven patterns, and delicate detailing. This combination of simplicity and elegance has made the Shaker style enduringly popular among designers and collectors, as well as a powerful influence on the development of American design.
The Complete Shaker Collection brings together a wealth of information about the Shaker community and its creations, including furniture, textiles, baskets, and boxes, as well as an overview of their beliefs and practices. The book also highlights the work of individual Shaker artisans and craftsmen, tracing their careers and contributions to the community’s legacy of design excellence.
For example, the book features detailed profiles of notable Shaker furniture makers such as Thomas Moser, whose modern interpretations of Shaker design have won numerous awards and aficionados, and George Nakashima, who combined traditional Japanese woodworking techniques with the Shaker aesthetic to create timeless pieces of furniture. The Complete Shaker Collection also includes information about contemporary designers and craftspeople who have been inspired by the Shaker style, such as Jonathan Adler and Simon Pearce.
The book is organized thematically, with chapters devoted to specific types of Shaker objects, such as chairs, cabinets, textiles, baskets, and boxes, as well as topics such as Shaker architecture, community life, and spiritual beliefs. Each chapter includes detailed photographs and descriptions of individual objects, as well as information about their history, usage, and significance within the Shaker community.
For example, the chapter on Shaker furniture includes an overview of the different types of chairs produced by the community, from the simple maple ladderback chair to the more elaborate rocking and sewing chairs. The chapter also discusses the role that furniture played in the Shaker community, both as a functional part of everyday life and as a reflection of the community’s values and aesthetic sensibility.
Similarly, the chapter on Shaker textiles explores the community’s rich tradition of weaving, knitting, and spinning, highlighting the intricate patterns and subtle colors that characterize Shaker blankets, rugs, and clothing. The chapter also discusses the role that textiles played in the Shaker community, both as a functional necessity and as an expression of the community’s spiritual beliefs and commitment to simplicity.
Overall, The Complete Shaker Collection is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history, culture, and design of the Shaker community. Whether you are a collector, designer, historian, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and simplicity of Shaker style, this book offers a wealth of information and inspiration, showcasing the enduring legacy of this remarkable religious community.
Posted by Popular Woodworking on 2009-05-04 16:55:26