09 Mar ongoing photographic survey of edgar miller’s 1943 pabst hall fresco mural work
most of the images feature edgar miller’s frescoes created in 1943 at the pabst brewery complex in milwaukee, wisconsin. additional photos showcase exterior details of pabst buildings, art glass windows, captain frederick pabst’s office, and a freestanding bronze statue. this photographic survey is ongoing, with more images and information to be shared in upcoming blog posts.
in 1940, pabst embarked on extensive renovations and expansions across its campus to better accommodate visiting clients and international guests. these enhancements included the creation of the pabst blue ribbon hall, designed in the style of a 17th-century german beer hall. the facility featured a bar, several sitting rooms, a second-floor gallery, and a central space furnished with communal tables and high-top pub tables.
miller was tasked with producing murals for the new beer hall, capturing both the history of the pabst company and the larger evolution of brewing. drawing on his expertise in folk and medieval art traditions, he utilized fresco techniques and a blue, red, and gray palette reflective of the pabst brand. this streamlined color approach enabled swift completion of the murals on quickly drying plaster, with miller employing empty pabst cans for mixing and storing paint. his artwork was recognized for its expressive character and intricate textures.
the tasting room’s panoramic mural illustrated the medieval brewing process from crop cultivation to consumption: planting and watering crops, harvesting barley and hops, malting grains, brewing under monastic supervision, and final enjoyment by the nobility.
regarded as one of milwaukee’s premier bars, pabst blue ribbon hall, along with the adjoining barroom named best place, continues to be a prominent attraction for visitors interested in the historic pabst brewery. this venue offers an opportunity to appreciate both its artistic legacy and the brewery’s products.
pabst brewery complex:
pabst’s office and statue:
additional images of the largely abandoned pabst brewery taken by eric j nordstrom in 1999-2001.
