Collection Spotlight: October, 2024

Shaker Objects

“It’s good to be seen.” – Willis Henry (1944-2024)

Hands to Work, Hearts to God: Celebrating Mother Ann Lee’s Legacy
Through January 12, 2025

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Ann Lee (1736-1784), known to the Shakers as “Mother Ann,” was the founder of the Shaker religion, also known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing. She inspired thousands of followers through her philosophy of community, charity, and equality, and with her mantra, “Hands to work, hearts to God.”

The museum co-founders’ initial interest in Shaker artistry and craft came from Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser Sanborn, whose home in the Berkshires was near the Hancock, Massachusetts, and Mount Lebanon, New York, Shaker communities. Mrs. Sanborn passed this enthusiasm on to her son Carl and his wife Edith.

In this exhibit, objects on view from the museum’s collection highlight the industries that Shaker “sisters” were engaged in. These examples of Shaker furniture and artifacts are juxtaposed with eight contemporary works by Massachusetts artist Laura Christensen, who interprets Mother Ann Lee’s life and influence.

During the installation of this show, the ACM’s staff was deeply saddened to receive news of the passing of Willis Henry (1944-2024), a long-time friend and advisor to the museum and its Shaker collection.

In 1980, Willis Henry and his wife Karel founded Willis Henry Auctions, Inc., and in 1982 held their first Shaker antiques auction, which became an annual event for over 40 years. Will went on to become one of the foremost experts on Shaker furniture in the world, and was also known for his detailed knowledge in many other areas of antiques.

Over the course of his career, Willis Henry advised many prominent collectors and institutions. The ACM is honored to count itself among them.

Willis Henry walked through the doors of the Art Complex Museum countless times. He would be met by staff with the ubiquitous greeting “It’s good to see you.” Willis returned the greeting, and more times than not, his reply would first be, “It’s good to be seen.”

This reply was understood as more than just a clever jest, but an insight in perceptiveness and appreciation. To be seen is a profoundly human desire. It does not simply mean to be looked at, but rather acknowledged or understood and, one can hope, appreciated.

The same can be said in terms of history, craftsmanship, and the unique objects that bear such qualities. Willis had a keen awareness of an object’s ability to tell stories and to represent histories, techniques, and ideas far greater than themselves. He understood the importance of these histories, and their endurance.

A chair’s pommels, the scribed lines on the handle of a tool, a drawer’s dovetail joinery and chamfered boards—to an average viewer, these details may be recognized as aesthetic flourishes, if seen at all, but to Willis these details held significance. They were indications of where an object was made, or how it functioned.  To hear Willis explain such significances was always a privilege.

The ACM is grateful for its decades-long relationship with Willis Henry, during which he made immeasurable contributions assisting with the care and research of the Shaker collection assembled by the co-founders. Willis also made significant contributions to the development of the museum’s Shaker collection, helping make many meaningful additions to this area of the permanent collection.

 We will miss seeing you, Willis. Thanks for making yourself seen.

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