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Brush

UNITED STATES, New England (manufacturer)
Brush
 (late 19th century)

Medium
wood, horse hair

Measurements
29.6 × 5.5 × 5.8 cm

Credit Line
Marjorie Josephs-Wilks Bequest, 2025

Gallery location
Not on display

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About this work

The Shakers prioritised cleanliness and hygiene in their communities and dwellings which was considered to be a visible sign of their inward purity. Mother Ann, the first leader of the Shakers had said to her community that ‘there is no dirt in heaven’ and ‘good spirits will not live where there is dirt’. In order to maintain this high level of cleanliness, the Shakers produced a myriad of brushes in different shapes and sizes to dust and clean their buildings, belongings and machinery.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
New England, United States

Department
International Decorative Arts

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