I purchased this photograph and a second of the same Chicago cement company plant interior together--but I think they are good for different reasons, so am listing them separately. This one struck me for its self-reflexivity: bags upon bags of cement mix (I presume) inside of this vast cement/concrete interior, describing the plant itself as well as its function. I also really like the order, play of geometries, and contrast between the soft bags and hard lines of the architecture, and the aisle created between the bags, affording a view to the far end, and what I take for a freight elevator. And this one cord hanging down front the ceiling like a pointer. I don't know, I just find it all quite beautiful.
9 1/2" x 7 3/8". A silver print I believe, mounted to linen. Typed label on reverse identifies it as the Universal Portland Cement Co., Interior Cement Warehouse, Ellston Ave, Chicago (which became Atlas Portland Cement Company in 1930; I believe this photo dates to the 1910s-20s.)
You might also like
