Shaker Table c. 1938

Here we see Alfred H. Smith’s drawing of a Shaker Table. The Shakers, or the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, were a religious sect that flourished in the United States from the late 18th century. Central to Shaker life was a commitment to simplicity, utility, and quality in all aspects of life, which is readily seen in their furniture. Shaker design principles emphasized clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and functionality. This aesthetic emerged from their religious beliefs, seeking to avoid vanity. The Shakers' communal living and gender-segregated workshops influenced their designs, adapting furniture to meet specific needs within these communities. Their creations were not just objects; they embodied a spiritual and social ethos. This drawing serves as both documentation and celebration, reminding us of the Shakers' profound influence on American design. It invites reflection on how values of simplicity, community, and skilled craftsmanship can shape objects of enduring beauty and meaning.