Shaker Made: Inside Pleasant Hill's Shaker Village

Shakerism was a religious movement that flourished in the eastern United States in the 19th century, with thousands of members living in communal villages. Shaker Made is a photography book that celebrates the cultural artifacts of one of America's most influential utopian societies, Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill. Photographer Carol Peachee has photographed the village for over four decades, capturing the architecture, furniture, and crafts of the Shakers. The book includes a foreword by the curator of collections at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and an introduction by Peachee, who shares her personal connection to the subject. The attention to detail in the photographs evokes the spirit of the maker and serves as a tribute to the history and legacy of the Pleasant Hill Shakers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky

Shakerism, which once had thousands of members living in communal villages across the eastern United States, is now a small but enduring faith. One of its most iconic communities is Kentucky's Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, which remains a cultural touchstone today. While Shakerism is often associated with its handmade objects, its history is much more than just its material culture. The Shakers' efforts were deeply rooted in their religious beliefs, and each piece of their work reflects their devotion to God and how it guided their actions. Photographer Carol Peachee's Shaker Made is a tribute to the cultural artifacts of the Pleasant Hill Shakers, capturing the architecture, furniture, and crafts of this influential utopian society. Peachee has photographed Pleasant Hill for over four decades, from small items like eyeglasses and embroidered handkerchiefs to the distinguished furniture and architecture of the more than 260 buildings built by the Shakers. The curator of collections at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Rebecca Soules, provides an informative foreword to the photos, while Peachee offers a lovingly written introduction explaining her personal connection to the subject. The attention to detail in the simple yet beautifully composed photographs evokes the spirit of the maker and serves as an elegant and respectful tribute to the history and legacy of the Pleasant Hill Shakers, who sought to honor the divine in all aspects of life.

Dimension: 216 x 267 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813198767