Tour: Shaker Crafts from the Index of American Design

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Overview

The Shaker church in American was founded by Ann Lee and seven followers who came from Manchester, England, in 1774. After an early settlement near Albany, the Shakers founded in 1786 what was to be their central colony at New Lebanon, New York. There, they were able to form an independent, communal society where they could live, work, and worship without persecution. The Shaker sect was distinguished from other communal groups by the strict religious tenets that guided every aspect of life. Shaker life was modeled on the vision of a heavenly kingdom in which "true gospel simplicity" was the cardinal principle. Purity of mind, harmony, and order were the most esteemed Shaker virtues. The qualities of harmony and order were translated into the design of articles for daily life made by Shaker craftsmen. Shaker design is distinguished by simplicity of form, harmonious relationship of parts, good workmanship, and utility. Because ornate forms represented a worldliness that they had abandoned, the Shakers kept decoration to a minimum and eliminated veneers. Belief in the sanctity of labor and emphasis on the quality of each task were essential elements in maintaining the high standards of Shaker craftsmanship.

Captions

1.
1	Orville Cline, Shaker Visionary Image, 1935/1942
2	Joseph Goldberg, Linen Bag, c. 1936
3	Alfred H. Smith, Shaker Basket, 1935/1942
4	George V. Vezolles, Shaker Rug, 1935/1942
5	American 20th Century, Shaker Man's Costume, 1935/1942
6	American 20th Century, Shaker Woman's Costume, 1935/1942
2.
7	John W. Kelleher, Shaker Tilting Chair, c. 1937
8	Lon Cronk, Shaker Dining Table and Chairs, c. 1937
9	Victor F. Muollo, Shaker Table, c. 1936
10	Alfred H. Smith, Shaker Round Table, 1935/1942
11	John W. Kelleher, Shaker Secretary Desk, c. 1937
12	Alfred H. Smith, Built-in Cupboard and Drawers, c. 1937
3.
13	Sumner Merrill, Small Shaker Chest, c. 1937
14	Alfred H. Smith, Shaker Cot, c. 1937
15	Alfred H. Smith, Shaker Kitchen Piece with Tray, c. 1936
16	Irving I. Smith, Shaker Tall Clock, c. 1937
17	John W. Kelleher, Shaker Stove/Built-in Closet, c. 1938