Shaker Style Lighting

The Shakers, more properly styled the United Believers in Christ’s Second Coming was led by such notables as Mother Ann Lee, Mother Lucy Wright and Jane Wardley, dedicated themselves to a life of celibacy and service. There are several fine books written about the Shakers and the Shaker lifestyle. Louisa May Alcott’s parents, Bronson and Abby May Alcott were considered to become members. Bronson was intrigued, Abby May put her foot down and they did not join the group.

In the years between its founding in 1747 and the flight of its members to the New World in 1774, they were both admired and denigrated. They were known for their tendency to tremble in ecstasy during worship, their celibacy, their interest in taking in orphans, and their many, many excellent inventions, as well as their fine craftsmanship in many different areas, but especially in woodworking and furnishings.

The Shakers had no aversion to technology, unlike some similar groups. They felt that if it would speed up the work and make it happen more efficiently, technology would leave them more time to worship. It is out of that desire for efficiency, cleanliness and simplicity that grew many of their lovely designs and labor-saving devices. These included spring clothespins, paper packages for seeds, circular saws, and lights on pendants or chains that brought the illumination closer to workspaces, making it more efficient. If the lines are simple, clean and the workmanship excellent, there is a good chance that you are looking at designs that originated with the Shakers. When it comes to the design for living quarters, they were the original minimalists.

Shaker style lights will be on a pole or chain that will bring the lighting fixture closer to the work area. The terminating fixtures tend to be simple in design, with minimal embellishment. The focus is on having something that has clean, clear lines, but most of all on having a lighting fixture that makes it easier to carry out necessary tasks. It should also be easy to clean and care for since the focus of Shaker style is toward clean, clear lines, excellent workmanship, and simplicity. If you have ever heard or read the lyrics to the hymn “Simple Things,” it is an excellent expression of the Shaker philosophy.

Legislation affecting the adoption of children and ownership of property slowed new members of the Shaker organizations to a trickle. Eventually, the existing Eldresses announced that they were closing their branch to new membership. Today, only two of the original Shaker communities remain alive. Only one community accepts new members. Even so, we are left with a legacy of space and timesaving devices such as folding chairs and beautiful, supremely efficient lamps that place the illumination near the work surface.