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Artisans
The first floor is where the modeling artists begin to shape clay models by hand. Here the artisans were 'throwing' the clay into the modeling bin. The plaster models are then hand packed with clay. |
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Studio
Off to the sides of this particular floor were clay artifacts and clay rounds that held art pieces in the kiln. the building was 'mysterious' to say the least. |
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Historic Display
There were several historical photos on display for the event. This was one of modeler, Ernest Cardini, with the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Building Eagle (San Francisco) 1925. |
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Terra Cotta Face
There were terra cotta figurines cast aside all over the place. It was the shadows on this face that caught my eye. |
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Clay Disks
The discarded clay disks were found everywhere. |
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Design Studio Office Door
Beyond this door was the original design studio, which hasn't been used since 1950 when the head modeler, Ernest Kadell, died unexpectedly. |
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Studio
This was the perfect shot - from my point of view. |
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Theatrical Faces
Kind of scary, but intriguing. |
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Kiln Fire
We entered the kiln buildng and the light cast by the fire drew me in. |
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Beehive Draft Kiln
The kilns were named for their beehive shape. Wood was fuel until 1899 and has been replaced by natural gas. Heat is increased over several days to reach 2260 degrees F; then stopped; allowed to cool off (5-7 days); and then unloaded. |
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Row of Kilns
There are 22 beehive kilns in the building, and it's pretty darn warm in there. |
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Picturesque Kiln
I believe this was one of the older kilns from the turn of the century. |
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Clay Pipe
As we left our tour out of the buildings, we walked past thousands of clay pipe stacked. One last great photo opportunity for moi-ness! |