diff --git a/gramps/gui/selectors/baseselector.py b/gramps/gui/selectors/baseselector.py
index 24924e815..ac6601301 100644
--- a/gramps/gui/selectors/baseselector.py
+++ b/gramps/gui/selectors/baseselector.py
@@ -268,7 +268,10 @@ class BaseSelector(ManagedWindow):
         """
         Builds the selection people see in the Selector
         """
-        filter_info = (False, self.search_bar.get_value(), False)
+        if not self.filter[1]:
+            filter_info = (False, self.search_bar.get_value(), False)
+        else:
+            filter_info = self.filter
 
         #set up cols the first time
         if self.setupcols :