Brion Hardink: 2014-09

"Syracuse China Corporation, located in Syracuse, New York, was a manufacturer of fine china. Founded in 1871 as Onondaga Pottery Company (O.P. Co.) in the town of Geddes, New York, the company initially produced earthenware. In the late 19th century, O.P.Co., began producing fine china, for which it found a strong market particularly in hotels, restaurants, and railroad dining cars. The manufacturing facility in Syracuse closed in 2009, after 138 years in operation and production was removed from North America."

below: Syracuse China, Syracuse NY, 09.2014

Located outside of the former Syracuse China factory walls are literally millions of abandoned bisqued wares and industrial packaging resources. Left exposed to the elements, the area where these materials are quarantined is in direct opposition of 2 heavy earth moving vehicles. Leveling of the ground has commenced and the machines appear to threaten the long-term existence of these remaining treasures which now serve as a stark reminder of a prosperous bygone age. The deep impressions from the heavy treads of the parked nearby earth moving vehicles in the cracked and weathered surrounding land is littered with innumerable broken pottery fragments. Metals, wood, and other industrial materials which have now been deemed useless, are piled together in a heap nearby. While not dismissing their present condition or state, it is my intention to once again marry these materials in a fitting manner that will best celebrate the history of Syracuse China and the city of Syracuse.

Preliminary Technical Notes on discarded/abandoned materials per former Syracuse China engineer:

The bisc was fired to 2300F, with cone 12 just starting to move.

The glost fire would reach 2195F, with cone 6 just starting to move.

The glaze was a high solids / very fluid slip that was atomized and sprayed onto heated bisc. The heat evaporated the water leaving a thin, powdery coating of glaze [potential video].

It is also possible to dip the bisc in glaze by hand.