Shaker buildings have long been admired for their simplicity of design and sturdy craftsmanship, with form always following function. Over the years, their distinctive physical characteristics have invited as much study as imitation. Their clean, unadorned lines have been said to reflect core Shaker beliefs such as honesty, integrity, purity, and perfection. In this book, Henry Plummer focuses on the use of natural light in Shaker architecture, noting that Shaker builders manipulated light not only for practical reasons of illumination but also to sculpt a deliberately spiritual, visual presence within their space. Stillness and Light celebrates this subtly beautiful aspect of Shaker innovation and construction, captured in more than 100 stunning photographs.
Table of Contents:
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Shaker Light—Building a State of Grace
1. Simplicity—Pristine Light
Monotone Mass
Pure White Cavity
Framed Whiteness
Between Wood and Plaster
Wooden Cavern
2. Order—Focused Light
Mesmerizing Window
Incantation
Concentric Tonalities
Double Helix
Twin Skylights
Flying Staircase
Tiered Skylights
3. Luminosity—Inner Light
Maximum Fenestration
Interior Shutters
White Kentucky Limestone
White-Painted Stonework
White on White
Yellow Light
Lustrous Wood
Clasped Light
Attic Dormer
Cupola
4. Equality—Shared Light
Transom Window
Interior Window
Double Window
Enfilade of Openings
Lattice of Light
5. Time—Cyclic Light
Shadow Play on Limestone
Spectral Colors
Tree Shadows
Splashes of Sun
Coexisting Times States
Golden Cast
Revolving Light and Color
Crossfire of Sun I
Crossfire of Sun II
Light Orchestration
Bibliography
About the Author :
Henry Plummer is Professor of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he is also an associate of the Center for Advanced Study. He is author of Poetics of Light, Light in Japanese Architecture, and The Architecture of Natural Light.
Review :
[A] stunning color photographic essay ... Plummer's discerning photographic eye not only captures the feeling of serenity and peace that pervades these buildings, but also reminds us that for the Shakers, daily work was prayer and every space in their community was a chapel ... This book is a must for libraries and any religious group planning to construct significant spiritual space.Vol. 15, No. 1 August, 2011
(Nova Religio) I highly recommend this book for anyone who is appraising Shaker items or Shaker architecture or for those who simply love high quality art photographs. A welcome addition to your book shelves. 9/24/2009
(www.examiner.com)
