The Shakers

The Shakers, a visionary American religious community founded in the late eighteenth century, have left a lasting imprint on modern design and architecture. Their simple and timeless objects are considered paragons of good design, and their buildings are seen as precursors to functional architecture, rooted in vernacular traditions and regional materials. Generations of artists and designers worldwide have been inspired by the Shaker’s minimalist, utilitarian designs as well as their principles centered around communal living, equality, and pacifism. The Shakers: A World in the Making explores the enduring relevance of Shaker values and craftsmanship. The publication is lavishly illustrated with new photographs of iconic Shaker objects and buildings as well as historic material and works by contemporary artists and designers who critically examine the Shaker ethos in today’s world. With contributions by Glenn Adamson, Irene Cheng, Johann Hinrich Claussen, Amie Cunat, Aaron Betsky, Jeffrey De Blois, Jerry Grant, Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, David Hartt, Mea Hoffmann, Sharon Duane Koomler, Sarah Margolis-Pineo, Christien Meindertsma, Finnegan Shannon, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, Shoshana Resnikoff, Hallie Ringle, Zoë Ryan, Cauleen Smith, Mabel O. Wilson and Reggie Wilson.