Waterlines Exhibit Merchandise
Merchandise items made especially for the Community Curator exhibition, Waterlines, curated by Arlinda Shtuni.
"Somerville Water 1853" is a two-color relief print based on the original extent of waterways in Somerville, Massachusetts, overlaid with the current modern drainage system that now serves to control these waters. The water is printed in a traditional blue ink, while the drainage system is set with an ink made by powdering a local clay known as "Somerville Blue Clay."
Blue clay had a part in reshaping the local landscape in the 19th century. Found in glacial till form in the flatlands near the Miller's River, it had two key qualities: low permeability and uniform consistency. So, when the river became polluted by industrial waste, blue clay served as the main material for landfill to retard its flow. And when mixed with local fibers, it was made into bricks that were sent across New England. The clay is not really blue, of course; the raw form has a greenish cast, it powders to tan, and fires to a typical brick red with occasional purple . Some of the original drainage pipes were made from it, thus blue clay permeates the urban landscape both above and below the surface.
Special thanks to the Leventhal Map Center and the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) for their assistance in creating this map.
Designed by Ted Ollier of Mindhue Studio and printed by Reflex Letterpress. Ted Ollier has been designing and printing since 1995 and currently lives in Medford, MA.
Waterlines Exhibit Merchandise
Merchandise items made especially for the Community Curator exhibition, Waterlines, curated by Arlinda Shtuni.
"Somerville Water 1853" is a two-color relief print based on the original extent of waterways in Somerville, Massachusetts, overlaid with the current modern drainage system that now serves to control these waters. The water is printed in a traditional blue ink, while the drainage system is set with an ink made by powdering a local clay known as "Somerville Blue Clay."
Blue clay had a part in reshaping the local landscape in the 19th century. Found in glacial till form in the flatlands near the Miller's River, it had two key qualities: low permeability and uniform consistency. So, when the river became polluted by industrial waste, blue clay served as the main material for landfill to retard its flow. And when mixed with local fibers, it was made into bricks that were sent across New England. The clay is not really blue, of course; the raw form has a greenish cast, it powders to tan, and fires to a typical brick red with occasional purple . Some of the original drainage pipes were made from it, thus blue clay permeates the urban landscape both above and below the surface.
Special thanks to the Leventhal Map Center and the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) for their assistance in creating this map.
Designed by Ted Ollier of Mindhue Studio and printed by Reflex Letterpress. Ted Ollier has been designing and printing since 1995 and currently lives in Medford, MA.