Shaker Chest of Drawers c. 1937

John W. Kelleher made this drawing of a Shaker Chest of Drawers sometime in the 20th century using graphite, watercolor, and possibly gouache. It depicts a simple wooden structure featuring clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a light finish, all characteristic of Shaker design. The Shakers, or the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, were a religious sect that valued simplicity, utility, and honesty in all aspects of life. Their furniture reflected these values. In the context of American social history, Shaker design emerged as a critique of the excess and artificiality of mainstream Victorian aesthetics. This chest, with its focus on function and craftsmanship, embodies a utopian vision of a society ordered around spiritual values. Examining archival materials such as Shaker community records and furniture catalogs can deepen our understanding of how their beliefs shaped material culture. By considering the social and institutional history behind this image, we can gain insight into the values and ideals that continue to influence design today.