Meet the Anton Fellows: Remembrance of things past
Chris Miller's project
Moving to Worcester to study at Clark has been something of a cultural safari for Juneau, Alaska
native Christopher Miller. A student of photography professor Stephen DiRado,
Miller is intrigued by the photographic challenges and opportunities provided
by the Worcester cityscape, an environment so different from that of his home state. As a government/
international relations major, Miller has also developed an interest in the manifestations of Worcester's industrial past, which presents a strong contrast with the commerical fishing economy of Juneau. He detects in the decline of local
manufacturing the pressures of international competition.
Chris will be using an Anton Fellowship to support production of a handmade book that will
unite his interests in photography and Worcester's industrial identity. The subject
of the book is the Standard Foundry Company, now existing only as a building shell,
but once an important employer in the Main South area. Chris plans to
include photographs of the building's interior and exterior spaces, information about
the company's history, and interviews with former employees still living in the
area. He anticipates that the Worcester Historical Museum will be an important resource for information.
Chris sent the following email toward the beginning of his project:
July 8, 2005, Worcester
The exploration of the Standard Foundry on Southgate Street has been an idea long in the making. My first exploration of the space started with a final project for a photography class two years ago. Ever since I began that project, I have wanted to expand the scope and depth of that exploration. The Anton Fellowship has provided me with the ability to do just that.
Currently I am in the process of securing access to the building, which is owned by the City of Worcester (previously owned by the Rice Barton company). My intent is to extensively document the interior and exterior of the building, as well as research a comprehensive account of its history. The final product will result in a hand made book that will include both the history and images of the present condition of the building (and any historical photos that I can dredge up).
To date my photographic exploration has focused on the exterior of the building. As I secure access with the city to the space, I will begin my photographic documentation of the interior space. I hope to begin this process in the next month and begin my research. Currently I am working at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette as an intern photographer, and it is taking up much of my time; so I may end up bumping back this timeline. I appreciate your interest in my project, and encourage you to return to the site to checkout further updates on the project, including a few select images. If you have any questions please email me at cmiller@clarku.edu.
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Additional Resources
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The Standard Foundry Company |
Map showing location of Standard Foundry Company in Worcester |
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