Defining Expertise: The Design of 19th-century Shaker Communities

Produced by Design Miami/ and ICYMI Productions in collaboration with Hancock Shaker Village and John Keith Russell Antiques, this video asks: What is it about the Shakers and the design of their communities that continues to captivate us today? What defines “Shaker?” Austerity, utility, beauty, and exceptional craft - architecture and design of material culture. A foundation of American design.
Featuring fascinating interviews with Hancock Shaker Village curator Sarah Margolis-Pineo, Shaker gallerist John Keith Russell, and Hamilton College Director and Curator of Special Collections and Archives Christian Goodwillie, the video explores where this remarkable aesthetic and dedication to handcraft came from, what nurtured it, and what helped it evolve, with some history of the Shakers - their beliefs, culture, and craft.
Presented by eBay.

[@dalecouch1995]

Excellent!

[@chriskappert1365]

As a Dutchman I am verry familiar with ladderback chairs , I have got 6 pieces with wicker seating .
These chairs can allreddy be sean on 17th century Durch paintings , exactly the same shape and number of rods and backrests as mine , 350 years later .
What really interests me is , were we Dutch the inventors or were the Britts the inventors of these timeless chairs ?
In Dutch we call them " knopstoel " or translated " knob chair " for the knobs on top for easy handling when moved .
Dispite their " austere " looks I find them verry comfortable , because the wicker forms itself to the anatomy of the user after a while , so perfect support and weight distribution .
They were allreddy verry smart so long ago , our ancestors !

[@chriskappert1365]

These Shakers had a wonderfull feel for dimensions , form and collorcombinations .
I find their furniture among the best the world has ever seen .
I wouldn'd be surprised if they inspired William Morris and his Arts & Crafts Movement !
That furniture is so well made with love and care , it can last for centuries .

[@IansWork]

Great. Thanks for producing and posting!

[@glennmcqueen9475]

Thank you for creating this

[@peachesharrison5979]

Wonderful video! so informative and inspiring

[@manuelaeringaard4444]

absolutely gorgeous pioneers

[@cowboyhank456]

Fascinating!

[@sheikowi]

Ever think of trying it to see if you like it? EBMAL might assist (If anyone can).

[@marksball]

Just to clarify, was the Shaker stove more efficient or less efficient in regard to wood use? It sounded more efficient at first, but the mention of 22 barns full of wood to get through winter threw me off. The speaker also said it used a voluminous amount of split wood. It sounds like it creates a lot of heat, but burns through a ton of fuel.

[@charliemcgee9803]

Maybe it was just becouse of the hugs amount of people living at one place. It seems like they would be pretty efficient at heating a room considering their smaller stature, shape and position in the midle of the room, but maybe I'm wrong.

[@poponachtschnecke]

The singing in the beginning seems so stereotypically 21st century, it made me cringe

[@bestbuilder1st]

I think it is a stretch to call it singing, thought-out it sounds like they are torturing someone (and not just us).

[@mr.billthrower7392]

The singing is so distracting 😓