Topographical mineralogy, the conservation of minerals and the preservation of mineralogical sites
Some 50 members gathered together at College Court in Leicester for the first ASM weekend we have been able to hold “in person” for 3 years. There was a real sense of occasion, particularly as the Society was also celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Guest of honour was Sir Arthur’s youngest son, Christopher Russell and additionally we had members attending who had been present at the first AGM.
If you live in the South West you may be interested in a travelling art exhibition called Artificialia: Fake Minerals & Fancy Plinths by Bridgette Ashton. Three wooden cabinets house what appear to be elaborately presented geological specimens hinting at the desire for discovery and wonder, yet on closer inspection the contents reveal themselves as appropriations of mineral-like objects. Predominantly modelled from ceramics, the sculptures also employ cardboard and plywood with embellishments of beading, flocking and fake gold leaf . Elements of the works directly reference JH Collins’ 1871 ‘Handbook to the Mineralogy of Cornwall and Devon’ in which the author methodically describes and lists a lexicon of rocks and minerals found in the region.
If you cannot get to see the exhibition in person you may like to view the objects on-line
The work is being supported by two events which are are free to attend and can be booked through Eventbrite
Further information about the aims of the exhibition can be found on the artist’s website
At our annual meeting this year, we will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Society. This will be held the weekend 1st-3rd April in Leicester. Further details and the booking form can be found on the member’s page, but members should already have received these by email. It promises to be a great event so do not delay, bookings must be in by 28th February.
We are sorry to report that Alan Dyer died on 7th September after a long illness. Alan was President of the Society 2005-2009 and will be remembered particularly for his expertise in the fields of natural and synthetic zeolites. A full tribute will appear in the next newsletter and a brief obituary can be found in Mindat.
Individuals with an interest in geology may be interested in a new inexpensive book that explains the principles of geology in in a manner that is simple to follow. The book “Geology for Walkers” by Steve Peacock, is aimed at walkers who wish to understand what they can see, and contains many clear illustrations. An extended extract from the book can be found here.
The Russell Medal is awarded to individuals who have given outstanding service to mineralogy. It is not awarded annually but on an occasional basis. At this year’s ASM, the Medal was awarded to two individuals who are each well known in the field of mineralogy. Since the ASM was virtual, the awards could not be presented at the event but were delivered shortly afterwards.
NEIL HUBBARD
Neil has been a leading figure in The Russell Society since its very early days and has served both on Council and the Central Branch Committee for many years. Through his business “Midland Minerals” Neil has supported establishments who teach geology and mineralogy, and encouraged many collectors who have visited his stand at mineral shows. His visual identification skills are well known- if you want a mineral identified ask Neil! Neil has put his outstanding mineral knowledge to good use by helping the editorial board of the Journal and contributing to many papers. He made the first discovery of bobkingite and has developed specialist knowledge of the mineralogy of Dolyhir quarry.
RICHARD BRAITHWAITE
Before he retired Richard was professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, in Manchester, England. He has had an interest in mineralogy all his life and passed on his enthusiasm to many others, taking students on trips to old mine sites and acting as mentor to other mineralogists in the Manchester area. Richard has published many papers on mineralogy and co-authored descriptions of the new species herbertsmithite and zincolibethenite. He has been a valued member of the editorial board of Journal of The Russell Society. The copper secondary mineral braithwaiteite, was named in his honour.
Provisionally Sunday 1 August 2021
It is proposed to hold a short memorial gathering to celebrate the life of Harry Critchley, with reflection pieces by family and friends, subject to Covid restrictions being lifted.
The gathering will take place around the Memorial Table, outside the library at Lady Manner’s School, Shutts Lane, Bakewell, DE45 1JA (home of the Bakewell Rock Exchange).
Please bring an umbrella just in case! Access to toilets in the school will be available.
Christine will confirm the date and arrangements as soon as it is possible to do so, subject to Covid restrictions being lifted.
If you would like to attend please contact Christine directly and she will keep you informed of final details nearer the time.
There is a nice tribute to Harry on Mindat https://www.mindat.org/mesg-515112.html