Most of the artifacts and artwork donated by Mr. Raymond were accompanied by detailed descriptions which don’t fit well on exhibition labels. Here is one such story.

Mining in Retreat
Oil Painting
Louis Raymond
Tennessee, USA
1965
Object ID: H1989-030-0022

“The last stages of removing ore from a mine required a select crew of experienced miners.  Blasting the remaining supporting rock pillars to the extent consistent with safe retreat required good judgement [sic] and teamwork.  Miners in the crew instinctively knew where to drill the holes, now to use just enough explosives as well as the timing for loading out the ore.  Work progressed from the extremeties [sic] of the underground workings to the shaft that remained well protected for the final exit and abandonment.” – Louis C. Raymond