Where am I in the gemstone pipeline?

This is a reproduction of a reflective piece of writing I completed for my Gem-A Foundation in Gemmology in February 2022. Image above: Examining the strong dichroic (two-colour) pleochroism of a green tourmaline crystal using Gem-A’s London dichroscope with a flatlight (credit: Tehmina Goskar). What is the gemstone pipeline? The gemstone pipeline considers all of… Continue reading Where am I in the gemstone pipeline?

Made in metal: Writing the industrial background of Graham Sutherland’s war art

Earlier in the year I spent some weeks in the summer researching and writing a survey of the links between Cornwall and South Wales, particularly those evidenced in the metal industries of copper, iron and steel, and tin. It resulted in a wonderfully illustrated book called Graham Sutherland: From Darkness Into Light. War Paintings and… Continue reading Made in metal: Writing the industrial background of Graham Sutherland’s war art

Cornish heritage is a man’s game

Geevor, near Pendeen, one of Cornwall's last mineral mines.

Cornwall Councillor Bert Biscoe today published a really thought-provoking article on the recommencement of mining in Cornwall: To manicure or mine, Cornwall’s modern dilemma. Amongst other points he raises the issues of the tensions between preservation, environmental sustainability and economic gain; he also makes the point many of us have been thinking about not really… Continue reading Cornish heritage is a man’s game