Simple Beauty: The Shakers in America

by William C. Ketchum Jr.

Book by Ketchum Jr., William C.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1996

Reviews

[Illiterate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ketchum relates Shaker crafts to their beliefs, lives, times. He speaks to “collectors” too often for my taste.

[David]

I was completely intrigued by the Shakers' efficient design, simplicity, and elegant craftsmanship. They designed useful objects that look very modern but with natural materials. Shakers had some very strict beliefs, including the equality of both genders and all races. In fact the sect was started by a woman who wrote their primary text. They also separated genders almost all the time because they tried to have members be completely celibate (hence they are not around anymore).

The Shakers believed in the beauty of simplicity and frivolity of ornamentation. The design of objects and furniture that resulted was depicted throughout the book with many illustrative and detailed pictures similar to an art exhibition catalog. One of the most useful design strategies was lining the top of every room, at about head height, with a row of pegs, similar to what we might hang coats on. On these pegs they would hang unused chairs, clothes, or temporarily install mirrors leaving floors clear of clutter and easy to clean. Everything seemed to have a place and they would make many simple rectangular cabinets and drawers fit into all kinds of spaces so everything can be put away and be out of sight. They also developed small and sleek cast iron wood stoves to heat individual rooms efficiently. The resulting spaces have the openness and flexibility of use like many Modernist designers idealized, but instead of the coldness of steel or plastic, items are a little warmer since they are made out of wood or woven linen.