As you know we exhibited the Caerhays Mineral collection in Tucson, Arizona in February this year and we were delighted to receive the following response from Dr Peter Megaw, Tuscon Gems and Minerals Society.Dear Mr Williams.
I write to express the gratitude of the Tuscon Gem and Mineral Society for the exhibit at the 58th Annual Tuscon Gem and Mineral Show of your wonderful minerals from Cornwall and elsewhere. Mr Courtenay Smale did an excellent job not only of wrangling and mounting the exhibit, but he spent 5-6 hours a day at the case engaging people in conversation about the pieces, the collection, the castle and your family. As they say in these parts 'he did you proud'.
As an economic geologist I have personally been fascinated with the geology and mineralogy of Cornwall for many years and spent 2 glorious weeks back in 1987 visiting operating mines (South Crofty and Wheal Jane) and the various china clay pits.. first with academic guides from Cambourne School of Mines and Imperial College and then with a local mineral collector from St Austell, (Chris Roberts). Because of the rocks, people, scenery and minerals I was exposed to there, I began a small sub-collection of specimens from Cornwall... despite the fact that the focus of my collection purports to be exclusively Mexico. (Naturally, this means your 1850's pyragyrite from Guanajuato was one of my favourite pieces from your exhibit....after the Clinoclase!)
As a mineral collector, I am delighted that these important pieces are seeing the light of day after so many years. It makes one wish we had basements as old as yours to look around in with hopes of finding such things.....however most buildings around here post-date the time that your minerals were packed away and "forgotten", so that will remain a fantasy.
The entire world of mineral collectors owes you a deep debt of gratitude for not only preserving such a collection, but for making your wonderful specimens available for exhibit where the world's mineral community gathers.... the Tuscon Show. Many attendees expressed awe at the quality and depth of quality that your collection contains.
We also must thank you for entrusting the collection and exhibit to Courtenay.. one of the most engaging, friendly, and knowledgeable people to grace the halls of our show for many years. Perhaps someday you could accompany him here with a reprise exhibit. Our weather in February is legendary and from what I've heard that of Cornwall in February might lead one to wish for sunnier climes.
Sincerely yours
Dr Peter Megaw
TGMS Exhibit Chair.