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Letter from a happy client

We have received a very kind letter from one of our clients, and we wanted to share it with you.  Dr Ian Tait is the Curator of Collections for the Shetland Museum, for whom we recently developed bespoke display cases.

Thomas Johnstone’s work merits the highest possible praise, as your services have been superb.

Last year we developed an exhibition, due to open in October 2009. The central artefacts were a loan from a national institution, and besides our own conservation standards, these vulnerable textiles carried their own conservation strictures. Because of these considerations we needed cases of the highest quality, which would have to be non-standard sizes, yet still be good value.

There are few companies who specialise in this line, and our natural choice was Thomas Johnstone Ltd. The company had been appointed display fitters for the new-build Shetland Museum and Archives (opened 2007), and were also known to the lending museum, National Museums of Scotland. We were highly impressed with the quality of Johnstone’s craftsmanship and service already, and N.M.S. were likewise familiar with their exacting standards.

Through the whole process of development your staff were most helpful. There was a quick turnaround from our initial sketches, to the supply of scaled drawings. Any queries regarding locking, glazing, paint finish, case access, and mount fabric were promptly answered; so much so that lengthy dialogue was unnecessary. T.J.’s impressive record-keeping meant that a question over paint colouration to match existing galleries that had eluded us was brought to our attention by yourselves.

Supply in good time was crucial, but any concerns we had were unnecessary, because the three cases arrived on time, in perfect order. The cases were packed very securely, which was important, considering the distance the crates had to travel. The vulnerable acrylic glazing was entirely free of scratching, thanks to your careful packing.

The quality of carpentry in Thomas Johnstone cases is superb, where components and joints are formed with mathematical precision. Those you supplied in September have glazed tops that slot very snugly, with no leeway for misalignment, the fabric beautifully fitted, and paint finishing that is immaculate. The success of the exhibition was due partly to your highly commendable cases, and such cases can only be supplied by a company who offer highly professional service.   

Best wishes,

Ian Tait

Click to see the initial Shetland Museum works and National Museum of Scotland works.

Posted on 12/10/2009