Video Parts (3)
This clip is Part 1 of a 3-part film.
FROM MUD TO MUG: THE STORY OF POTTERY MAKING Part 1
Description
The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: “Pottery, one of the oldest arts known to mankind, was practiced by the prehistoric peoples of all races. Its discovery therefore must not be attributed to the Egyptians or Assyrians to whom tradition has attributed the part.” “American pottery culminated in the Pueblo region in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.” “And so in the early days the ‘Potters’ perforce made their wares from the clay they found round about while today our cups and saucers combine a mixture of clays from England and the four corners of the United States.” Worker shoveling clay into mixer. ‘‘Mechanized mixers where the clays are assembled and diluted with water.” “All metallic substances are drawn from clay in the ‘Lawn,’ a magnetized trough or sifter.” Liquid clay going through lawn. “Pumping the clay into the filter press. The water pressed out leaves disc of clay.” Workers removing clay discs from press. “And then the ‘Pug Mill’ cuts sad presses the discs together in large rolls ready for the molders.” Worker operating machine. “The Potter’s wheel is of very ancient origin thus we find a painting in a tomb at Thebes about 1800 B.C. describing the ‘Wheel.’” Animated cartoon of potter at wheel. “While today our dishware is turned in much the same manner.” Potter at modern wheel. “Putting the punch in a plate. First smashed with a hand stumper and then thrown kerplunk on the mold -- this gentle operation forms the top of the plate. It is then turned to shape.” Drying plates on the mold. Large rack full of plates, worker removing one. “Turning bowls.” “‘Handling’ cups.” Workers placing handles on caps. “Odd shaped dishes are molded by hand.” Potter molding platter. “Pitchers are cast in a plaster-of-Paris mold.” Worker putting mold together, filling it with liquid clay, pouring clay out of mold, taking mold apart, removing pitcher. “Pottery is baked in a ‘Green House’ (Kiln). The kiln man balancing his wares with all the abandon of a circus performer.” Workers carrying trays of pottery into kiln, shelves loaded with trays. “Placing the clay ware in the ‘Bisque’ kiln where it is kept for 48 hours. When removed it is known as ‘Bisque’ ware.” Workers carrying loads on heads - worker dipping pottery in water. “‘Chipping’ -- removing fire marks and assorting the different grades.” Women workers at long tables. “Artistic designs are transferred by decalcomania.” Worker’s hands placing decals, soaking and removing backing. “The finer wares are decorated by hand.” Woman worker using wheel and brush to decorate china. “And so we have learned a bit about pottery and the wares that garnish our table.” Plate full of oysters on the half shell - people having dinner in restaurant, waiter. [1918]
Read more