It was purchased in 1948 and cost almost $50,000 at the time. It was a completely automated bowl, plate and mug making machine. Considerable mechanical, precision mould making, and clay mixing expertise were required to keep this machine working. The upper part of the machine to the left is a pugmill. It extruded soft clay down into moulds passing on a conveyor below where a pressing operation finished the inside of the piece. Moulds were conveyed to the upper end of the enclosed hot-air drying chamber. During the trip down the incline the quickly-drying clay shrank and released itself from the moulds.
This was an operation that was not easily automated. The company designed a large round rotating trimming table at which many women would simultaneously work together to handle the output of the Miller machine. Over the years many workers made friends and got to know each other at this table. Beside this kiosk are displayed some of the kinds of ware that were made in this machine. You can pick it up and handle it if you like. Notice the telltale signs of human hands on some of the pieces.
Many of this factory's designs were hand decorated with brushwork and sponge-dabbing. Other patterns were done using preprinted decals made on special transfer paper and by silk screening. One area of interest is the banding table on display to the right of this kiosk. Rose Stickle, for example, used this table to apply luster and gold banding on the beautifully decorated plates that you saw on display in the middle of the circular tunnel kiln. At the banding table take note of some of the lead stencils on display. These were fitted to a particular size bowl and placed inside to catch overspray to define air brushed designs.
Lead is used in earthenware glazes partly to lower the melting point, this is especially true in areas of the world where energy costs are high. However Medicine Hat pottery companies had cheap energy and the vast majority of ware made was leadless stoneware. Still lead glazes produce brilliantly clear glazes and can host very bright colors. Most people do not realize that today bone china is still made using lead glazes. In some cases this factory employed low-lead glazes on whiteware but lead release is considered safe for normal utilitarian use.
However there is more to see. On your way back to Kiosk 1, look in the corner to your left for 'The Albertan', the toilet model that was manufactured here for many years. Please visit our gift shop, sign our guest book, and leave something for us in the suggestion crock or donation kiln. If artists are currently working we invite you to stop and talk with them. If you have children, take them to the Kiddies Klay Korner and work with some clay. We also suggest you tour the Alberta Clay Products beehive kiln immediately to the west of this facility. Try standing in the center and say something, then listen.
You will see restored kilns and historic buildings and the largest museum collection of Medalta pottery. Obtain admission tickets and directions from our gift shop attendants. A staff member will accompany you to the site. Thank you for coming and we hope to see you again.
