Bishop Hill: Cradle 1936

Wellington Blewett created "Bishop Hill: Cradle" sometime in the 20th century, a technical drawing depicting a handmade cradle from a Swedish utopian community. Blewett’s detailed rendering provides us with the precise measurements and scale of the cradle, highlighting the emphasis placed on functionality within this communal society. The simplicity of the cradle speaks to the values of equality and shared labor that defined Bishop Hill. This image serves as both a practical guide for replication and a historical artifact that embodies the community's commitment to providing for their members. As we consider the cradle's intended use—to nurture new life within this unique social experiment—we’re invited to reflect on our own societal structures, and how we care for our most vulnerable. The emotional resonance of the cradle is amplified when considered against the backdrop of the social and political ideals of the Bishop Hill community.