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.
interesting sculpture. i am glad the mill is still being utilized and cared for.
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE the building, the statue is a little iffy for my taste. it is a beautiful spot and I would like to visit it.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Happy to hear that this historic building is being preserved and appreciated. Thanks for all the information, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a really wonderful place for an art studio!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting place! From long underwear to condoms... :)
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool place :) Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this famous old place is still finding use today. Nice series with the informative comment.
ReplyDeleteNice to see the old mill retained for the arts. Was that explanation of the sculpture written by a random word generator?
ReplyDeleteScratching head trying to figure out the sculpture. Love your first shot of the mill. I would love to feel more circlish, less square.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting place to explore. I must admit, I also scratch my head about most of the sculptures there!
ReplyDeleteOld 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.
ReplyDeleteLove your Hollyhock shots. MB
Great building - I like the sculpture from a distance but not so much up close!
ReplyDeleteThe 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!! ^_^
ReplyDeleteOh 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
ReplyDeleteWhat a great new use for the old mill. Wow, fleece lined long underwear. That's a new one on me. Beautiful old building.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting sculpture and art.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeletei really like the sculpture, aesthetically and symbolically.
ReplyDeleteThat's a neat sculpture! I love how they put a name on the art!
ReplyDeleteInteresting 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
ReplyDeleteAnother place I wish I could see in person....
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting story about the old mill!
ReplyDeleteThis ia a fascinating old building with a great history. I'm glad it's been given a new lease on life.
ReplyDeleteGreat building and I really love that sculpture.
ReplyDeleteGood the mill is still in use. Interesting sculpted piece.
ReplyDeleteInteresting story about the mill. Underwear and condoms, eh? Whodathunkit?
ReplyDelete— 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.
ReplyDeleteFascinating 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!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
What a great sculpture - so thoughtful! And a lovely building!
ReplyDeleteSome very interesting shots. I like them all!
ReplyDeleteI don't know which was more rewarding today, the post or the comments.
ReplyDeleteI 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" !
ReplyDeleteI love it when interesting old buildings are converted to new uses. Interesting sculpture also.
ReplyDeleteInteresting the changes of use that some buildings go through, good that it is still being used.
ReplyDeleteThe 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 !
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, and interesting history!
ReplyDeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they're using the building again. :0) Condoms and balloons? Funny!!
ReplyDeleteGreat first shot of the old building, neat bit of history too, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat sculpture is amazing. Thanks for joining us!
ReplyDeleteI love old mills and this one looks just perfect for an art studio! Love the sculpture and the idea behind it!
ReplyDeleteCalling 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 :)
ReplyDeleteFascinating post, it is great when old buildings are reused and given new life.
What a neat place to visit, I love the outdoor sculptures.
ReplyDelete