The Simplicity and Precision of Shaker Design

I visited the Canterbury Shaker Village, a historic site that preserves the heritage and lifestyle of a communal religious sect, the Shakers. The small museum showcases well-maintained buildings with clear signs explaining their past use. The village was established in 1792 and grew to over 300 members by the mid-19th century. The Shaker way of life was simple, communal, and industrious. Their focus on precision, order, and cleanliness is reflected in their architecture, furniture design, art, and textiles. The Shakers were unique in their use of machinery and tools to simplify their tasks, as they aimed to devote more time to prayer and contemplation. I found it fascinating to learn about their innovations, including the pegboard and circular saw. The exhibition was informative and engaging.