FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Michael Shaw]

Gail,
Many thanks for posting all of the Smithsonian images. Years ago, we lived about an hour south of DC and had occasion to visit the museum quite often. It was nice to see the mineral hall again, especially with so many visitors.

After looking through the photos, I couldn't help but notice the bases or pedestals that most of the specimens are displayed on. They are very attractive, do not detract from the beauty of the specimens and are effective in creating a multi-level display. Do you happen to know what they are fabricated from? If not, perhaps John White or someone else knows. I'd like to try my hand at making some for my home display.
Mike Shaw

[Gail]

I agree Mike, and I stated so in along response last night just before the computer said "page timed out" and I lost all the photos and info I put on here. ( This has been the case for the last 3 times I tried to add to this thread )
So am copying this so I might repaste if that happens again. I think the risers are great, they give space and an opporunity to really see each specimen clearly.
Different colours for different displays too, many are very lightly beige and others are darker gray, or lighter depending.
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On another note, I think I will finish the photo section off with a few delightful pictures of our last day in the area. We left Washington to head north just over the state line into Pennsylvania and a fabulous visit to John and Merle White's home.
With a grand time looking at minerals and a fine bottle of wine and hearty lunch, well...it was hard to pull ourselves away and head to the airport 90 miles south.
John and Merle are wonderful hosts and I found myself becoming very fond of these two. I got a little choked up when I left and Jim and I talked about how fun it was being there the whole way home.
So, enjoy some parting photos....and I am going to do a write up of my thoughts when I find the time later.
Cheers, Gail

[John S. White]

I will just say that Merle and I were very sorry that Gail and Jim had to leave when they did. We really bonded. We hope they will return very soon.

With respect to the bases in the Smithsonian, I was not there when they were created but I believe they are simply very well-made wooden boxes painted various pastel colors, The labels were then silk-screened on them, a good idea only if you plan never to have to change the labels.