This mural, painted by Pierre Hardy in 1988, depicts an open book, showing the exterior of the cheese factory on the left page and the interior on the right page. Both renderings are monochrome as old photographs are. The right page depicts the cheesemaker proudly standing in front of one of his milk basins, where milk is being processed into cheese. Cotton cheese cloths are hanging to dry and employees are busy at work.
In the foreground, a little girl is browsing through the book in question.
This mural dedicated to Edna B. Chant, who wrote a history of Athens titled "As the Pages Turn...", as well as other books on the area.
The wall surface is made of tin or metal sheets, creating intense heat for the artist. A wide metal gold banner flows across the background which reflects the sunshine, giving the mural an interesting glare effect.
The cheese factory is a very important part of Athens History, being the first one built in Leeds County.
This is the third mural to be painted for Athens by Pierre Hardy. It has been presented in his own unique style and will stir memories of by-gone years for many. Pierre lives in Vanier, Ontario and has a studio in Hull, Quebec. He is a graduate of the University of Quebec, with a B.A. in art and has studied at the Ottawa School of Arts.
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