The Shakers: A World in the Making exhibition at Vitra Design Museum displays the significant impact of the Shaker religious sect's minimalist designs and democratic beliefs, which emerged in the 18th century. Despite their declining numbers, Shaker principles resonate in modern art, architecture, and design. The exhibition features traditional Shaker creations, reflecting their ideals of craftsmanship, simplicity, and communal well-being. Curator Mea Hoffmann emphasizes that Shaker design principles reveal a worldview that values functionality and divine order, making their historical contributions more pertinent today. The show includes contemporary works, celebrating Shaker influences on modern aesthetics.
Characteristic of Shaker design is craftsmanship, simplicity and utility. The group rebuffed excessive ornamentation, instead embracing the natural qualities of the materials they used, such as local wood like cherry and maple.
Shaker craftsmanship and their belief system offer a radically different worldview that sparks many conversations. Their design principles directly reflect their belief system, prioritising communal wellbeing, functionality and a sense of divine order.
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