Masonry Magazine June 1987 Page. 14
BRICK LION RELIEF
To recreate the ancient lions, Sculptor/Ceramist Geoffrey Meek and his small staff experienced several months of research and aborted starts. An early report that the original glaze formulas had been recorded on ancient tablets proved to be true. The tablets, however, had been destroyed. During the research stage the team did discover that Babylonian craftsmen obtained color in their glaze by using copper and iron as prime colorants and that the area in which the striding lion reliefs were located had taken 40 years and unlimited slave labor to construct.
"We also discovered that there were perhaps two thousand kilns in operation producing the brick needed. Eventually, to duplicate as closely as possible the original glazing and the original colors used 2600 years ago, we conducted close to 750 kiln tests. For the very first lion, we built 77 clay body tests before we came up with the precisely-correct form on clay body test number 78," Mr. Meek said.
Following the same careful, point-by-point quality control standards that it took to produce the first striding lion frieze in the fall of 1986, Hudson Valley Clay Works continues to produce these direct links to antiquity today. Further information concerning purchase of one of these limited edition collector's pieces may be obtained by writing Mr. Geoffrey Meek, Hudson Valley Clay Works, at Old Chester Road, Goshen, New York 10924, or by calling him at (914) 294-5534.
The Masonry Institute of New York City & Long Island made available for display one of the duplicates of the striding lions at the opening of the New York City IMI Apprenticeship & Training School held on June 18th.
It's Not Afraid Of Heights
The Gradall 544 Material Handler reaches new heights. A full five stories in fact. With a 10,000 lb. capacity and 48' lift height, the 544 increases productivity and saves costly man hours. 90° Rear Pivot Steering gives it a turning radius that's less than the length of the chassis. A four-wheel drive machine with unsurpassed ground clearance it has the ability to climb steep slopes and travel in deep mud. Under 8' tall, standard features include outriggers, rear axle stabilization, and sway control, greatly enhancing stability. And unusual versatility with the use of Quick-Switch attachments helps maximize return on investment. So reach new heights. For details, write The Gradall Company, 406 Mill Ave., SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663. Or Phone (216) 339-2211.
GRADALL
14 MASONRY-MAY/JUNE, 1987
544 GRADALL
ESTABLISH REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PROGRAM
The AFL-CIO will quickly move to establish a new program to give unions and union pension plans an opportunity to invest in union-built commercial and industrial buildings.
The AFL-CIO Executive Council, at its meeting recently, authorized the formation of a commercial real estate investment trust to be operated by the present staff of the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust.
In the past, the Housing Investment Trust, which is governed by a joint labor-management board of trustees, has limited its investments to federally insured and guaranteed construction loans and mortgages in housing built by union labor. The newly established Trust will permit a considerably broadened scope of activity for the organization.
The Executive Council statement noted that the Housing Investment Trust has proven extremely successful. Since its reorganization in 1984, its assets have increased by more than 50%. The Trust's assets now stand at over $160,000.000 and it has been producing returns averaging over 15%. The Council said the authority to establish a new program for commercial real estate investments would not only enhance the Housing Trust but would be helpful to pension funds that now place investments in programs where there is no requirement that properties be built under union contracts.
American Colloid Moves
In search of more modern facilities and more convenient location for its sales and administration operations, American Colloid Company has moved its main offices to the One North Arlington Building, 1500 Shure Drive in Arlington Heights, IL.. The One North Arlington Building is a 160,000-square foot glass-and-granite structure located near the intersection of Dundee Road and Route #53. The telephone number is (312) 259-0590.