Alton Mill, Ontario
Built in 1881, this building was originally a knitting mill that manufactured fleece-lined long underwear. (Yep, really!) Then in 1935 the mill was converted to manufacture rubber products such as balloons for Disney and (believe it or not) condoms for Canadian troops during the Second World War.
The mill was closed in 1982, the longest running water-powered mill on the upper Credit River system.
Machinery from inside the mill
But the mill has been restored and is now the Alton Mill Creative Art Studios.
A foundation outside the main building
Outside the studios is an outdoor gallery of works by sculptor Ted Fullerton. One of his scultures is called Squaring the Circle.
Squaring the Circle
On a sign near this sculpture: The symbolic association of red and green align with the notion of the perfect balance of the vertical (the mystical) and the horizontal (life experience). creating a balance of the "mystery of life"or "creation." The square with it's perfect proportions has become a symbol, in particular within Eastern culture,of the womb, suggesting the mystery of realization or life (cycle). The female form is placed on a plinth as a sign of veneration.
More photos from Our World can be seen by clicking HERE.
45 comments:
interesting sculpture. i am glad the mill is still being utilized and cared for.
LOVE LOVE the building, the statue is a little iffy for my taste. it is a beautiful spot and I would like to visit it.
Great that the mill is still being used. The sculpture in interesting. I imagine the size would also impact the effect when you see it in person.
Darla
Happy to hear that this historic building is being preserved and appreciated. Thanks for all the information, too!
What a really wonderful place for an art studio!
What an interesting place! From long underwear to condoms... :)
I love that sculpture too. Glad that you told us a little more about it.
It is always wonderful when historic reuse takes place instead of destruction, and especially when it is given over to such great reuse. The sculpture is fabulous, especially in that setting. Love your shot, great color contrasts.
What a cool place :) Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog.
I'm glad this famous old place is still finding use today. Nice series with the informative comment.
Nice to see the old mill retained for the arts. Was that explanation of the sculpture written by a random word generator?
Scratching head trying to figure out the sculpture. Love your first shot of the mill. I would love to feel more circlish, less square.
This is such an interesting place to explore. I must admit, I also scratch my head about most of the sculptures there!
Old mills are so neat and I am so glad this one is being used. Not as a mill but perfect as an art form itself.
Love your Hollyhock shots. MB
Great building - I like the sculpture from a distance but not so much up close!
The hollyhocks are beautiful.
As far as ww2 there is already a condom? That I didn't know hehe. I learned a lot from your post today thanks!! ^_^
Oh I would love to visit this place. Your photos are fantastic. The history and the statues and meanings I am so intrigued. This is a great post. Thank you. B
What a great new use for the old mill. Wow, fleece lined long underwear. That's a new one on me. Beautiful old building.
It is very interesting sculpture and art.
I like your pictures, especially no. 1, great reflection in the window.
Happy week to you!:-)
Nice photos, that looks like a wonderful old building. Although the sculpture isn't quite my style.
i really like the sculpture, aesthetically and symbolically.
That's a neat sculpture! I love how they put a name on the art!
Interesting history about the mill and wonderful that it was restored and is being used by artists. I just hate when old things are knocked down ... called useless ... perhaps it's because I'm getting older!! :D :D
Another place I wish I could see in person....
What an interesting story about the old mill!
This ia a fascinating old building with a great history. I'm glad it's been given a new lease on life.
Great building and I really love that sculpture.
Good the mill is still in use. Interesting sculpted piece.
Interesting story about the mill. Underwear and condoms, eh? Whodathunkit?
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Another of your great posts. Such a pity the mill no longer generates it's original product, I'd be first in line for some fur lined long-johns.
Fascinating place/history and a wonderful post for the day! I'm so glad you're joining us for another round of My World! Forgive my being so late, had one of those appointments you can't skip! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Sylvia
What a great sculpture - so thoughtful! And a lovely building!
Some very interesting shots. I like them all!
I don't know which was more rewarding today, the post or the comments.
I love the places like this one! The buildings with a second birth, a place for art! The sculpture looks beautiful and I like this representation of "Mystery of life" !
I love it when interesting old buildings are converted to new uses. Interesting sculpture also.
Interesting the changes of use that some buildings go through, good that it is still being used.
The sculpture is definitely not my 'cup of tea.'
From a condom factory to a Creative Art Studio is quiet a way, lol ! Very nice pictures !
Beautiful pictures, and interesting history!
A versatile and handsome building: from fleece-lined underwear (ouch, itchy!) to condoms (but did the boys use them?) to art studio. That's a nice space for the symbolic statue.
I'm glad they're using the building again. :0) Condoms and balloons? Funny!!
Great first shot of the old building, neat bit of history too, thanks!
That sculpture is amazing. Thanks for joining us!
I love old mills and this one looks just perfect for an art studio! Love the sculpture and the idea behind it!
Calling by from Our World Tuesday, I am delighted to be part of this community and look forward to sharing photos with you wearing a different hat :)
Fascinating post, it is great when old buildings are reused and given new life.
What a neat place to visit, I love the outdoor sculptures.
Post a Comment