Shaker Design Legacy Explored at Vitra Design Museum Exhibition
Located in Weil am Rhein, Germany, the Vitra Design Museum is showcasing "The Shakers: A World in the Making," which will be on display until September 28, 2025. This exhibition delves into the material culture of the Shaker community and its influence on contemporary design. Originating in 18th-century England, the Shakers created utopian societies across the U.S., peaking in the 19th century with thousands of members; presently, only two communities exist. Their handcrafted items foreshadowed modernist design concepts, inspiring figures such as George Nakashima and Aldo Rossi. Featuring over 150 artifacts and pieces from seven modern artists, Director Mateo Kries underscores its significance regarding today's environmental and social challenges, while Curator Shoshana Resnikoff notes the Shakers' commitment to pacifism and anti-racism.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'The Shakers: A World in the Making' at Vitra Design Museum until September 28, 2025
- Shakers were founded in mid-18th century England by Quaker dissidents, later known as United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing
- By 19th century thousands lived in eastern US villages; today only two elderly members remain
- Shaker objects anticipated modernist design principles with clean lines and functional form
- Influenced designers include George Nakashima, Kaare Klint, Maddalena De Padova with Achille Castiglioni and Vico Magistretti, and Aldo Rossi
- Over 150 objects on display including oval cherry wood boxes, work tables on wheels, 1890 platform shoe, seed and medicine containers
- Exhibition design by Formafantasma
- Seven contemporary artists and designers contributed works: Reggie Wilson video reinterprets Shaker dances; Amie Cunat reconstructs meeting house in blue
- Shakers were pacifists, rejected racism, aided Underground Railroad, became first conscientious objectors during Civil War
- Director Mateo Kries says exhibition avoids 'brown furniture' show, explores Shaker relevance to present challenges
Entities
Artists
- George Nakashima
- Kaare Klint
- Maddalena De Padova
- Achille Castiglioni
- Vico Magistretti
- Aldo Rossi
- Reggie Wilson
- Amie Cunat
- Mother Rebecca Cox Jackson
- Mateo Kries
- Shoshana Resnikoff
- Giulia Marani
- Formafantasma
Institutions
- Vitra Design Museum
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- New York Times
- Artribune
Locations
- Weil am Rhein
- Germany
- Basel
- Switzerland
- United States
- England
- Pennsylvania
- Scandinavia
- Milan
- Italy
- Philadelphia
- Canada