Form and Function: The Beauty of Shaker Design is on view at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, New York, through January 10, 2027. A religious group that first settled in the region in the late 18th century, the Shakers perfected a simple aesthetic that emphasized the practical and is characterized by the harmonious use of line, form, and proportion.
The first half of the exhibition looks at Shakers at Work, focusing on the various trades in which the Shakers were engaged and their practical tools, designed without unnecessary ornament. The second half of the exhibition, Shakers at Rest, features objects utilized in everyday life, such as chairs, tables, and storages boxes.
The exhibition draws from two private collections of Shaker furniture and objects, including many items which have never before been exhibited in a museum context. Bob and Aileen Hamilton of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, are lending five large pieces of furniture, including a tailoring counter and a blanket chest. “My wife and I are delighted to share five important Shaker furniture items from our collection,” says Bob Hamilton. “It is our hope that visitors to this landmark Hyde exhibition will enjoy and learn more about the timeless beauty and perfection of Shaker design.”
From the collection of Jeanne and Bernie Brown, of Niskayuna, New York, are several iconic pieces of Shaker design, including colorful oval boxes and a peg rail. “Bernie and I have enjoyed our Shaker journey together and are now extremely pleased to share part of our collection with the Hyde community,” said Jeanne Brown.
“The Shakers have a strong history in this region and their harmonious and simple designs continue to resonate with many today,” said curator Bryn Schockmel. The Hyde Collection has created a book that is published in tandem with the exhibition, complete with images of works in the show and essays by the lenders and curator. The book Form and Function: The Beauty of Shaker Design is available in the museum shop.
For more information, check the website (www.hydecollection.org).
Originally published in the October 2026 issue of Maine Antique Digest. © 2026 Maine Antique Digest
