Examination at design evolution: The impact of Shakers' forward-thinking beliefs on contemporary aesthetics.
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Vitra Design Museum in Germany will launch an exhibition titled 'The Shakers: A World in the Making', running from June 7 to September 28, 2025. This exhibition, designed by Milan-based studio Formafantasma, will showcase over 150 original Shaker artifacts and commissioned works by contemporary artists and designers.
The four-section show aims to delve into the enduring influence of the Shakers, a Protestant sect that originated in England in the mid-1700s and emigrated to the American colonies in 1774. One section, 'I Don't Want to be Remembered as a Chair', argues that Shaker design should be appreciated through the lens of their religious and communal philosophy, rather than solely for its aesthetics.
The exhibition will explore how these values have served as a source of inspiration for modern designers and how the Shakers' legacy continues to resonate in art and design today. Shaker design is characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and a democratic approach that prioritizes function over ornamentation.
The Shakers' emphasis on egalitarian values and inclusion, reflected in their architecture and design, set the stage for modern design movements such as modernism, Bauhaus, and Scandinavian design. Modernist designers admired Shaker principles, preferring clean lines and rejecting unnecessary decoration. Bauhaus, which emerged in 1919, adopted similar ideals, with its clean lines and geometric shapes. Scandinavian design, too, bears the hallmarks of Shaker design, with its uncluttered, streamlined look.
The importance the Shakers placed on labor translated into designs that were functional, evidenced by their furniture, which featured items like ladder-back chairs, straight-legged tables, built-in cupboards, and efficient storage solutions. This element of Shaker design can be felt in Bauhaus, where decorative elements were minimized unless they served a function, and Scandinavian design, which seeks to create beauty from utility.
The Shakers had a strong work ethic, which also translated into a focus on craftsmanship. This emphasis on handmade quality resonated with the Arts and Crafts movements that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as Scandinavian design, which favors organic materials such as wood, leather, linen, and stone.
Despite their insular communities, the Shakers were open to outside influences. The exhibition's 'Every Force Evolves a Form' section traces how they interacted with the advancements of the wider world, showcasing oval boxes and rudimentary power tools. Shaker innovation is also explored through a commission from Christien Meindertsma, who reimagines their basketry as a biodegradable coffin.
To explore further, visit vitradesignmuseum.de.
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In the realm of art and design, the legacy of the Shakers transcends time, resonating with contemporary movements like minimalist 'home-and-garden' styles and 'technology-oriented' lifestyle solutions that prioritize function and efficiency. Their democratized approach to design, evident in their furniture, also echoes in the modern 'technology' we use daily, favoring simplicity and clean lines over ornamentation.
