Did you know that Pewabic’s clay mixer was manufactured and shipped to the pottery in 1912?! The company that built it remains in business, and was delighted to hear that it’s still cranking out clay.
This iconic machine has seen a lot over the years. It produced the clay used to create art tile for the Detroit Public Library in 1917, the Detroit Institute of Arts in 1924 and the Guardian Building in 1927. We used the same mixer to make tile for the Detroit People Mover in the 1980s, Comerica Park in 2000 and Little Caesars Arena in 2017. In this mixer, Pewabic artisans have made clay for tile installations in homes, schools, churches and public spaces throughout the city and across the nation.
Every single art tile and architectural tile we make today uses clay we make in this same clay mixer. This piece of equipment connects so much history and Detroit architecture and it is a highlight for folks who tour through our studios at the pottery.
This historic mixer is now 112 years old and in need of a major repair. Will you help us restore this workhorse and extend its useful life for another 100 years?
Here’s our challenge–
Over time, the main shaft that runs the mixer has worn to a point where friction is damaging the two large drive gears. To restore the system, we’ll draw upon traditional metal-working techniques to cast new drive gears, replace the main vertical and horizontal shafts, and re-pour the babbitt bearings that allow the shafts to turn. Restoring this historic clay mixer will preserve a key component of our pottery operations and enhance one of the most unique and popular elements of our studio tours.
Will you lend a hand toward our handcraftsmanship?
The Michigan Arts & Culture Council awarded Pewabic a $15,000 grant towards the project. We need to raise an additional $50,000 to complete the repairs.
Can we count on you to help?
Your gift will ensure that Pewabic can keep producing the clay that tiles Detroit and inspiring spaces across the country, preserving a tradition of craftsmanship that extends back more than a century. Make a donation to this project here.
Learn more about our clay making process over the years in the "Clay Making Then and Now" blog post.
