A Little Information On The Victorian Shell Picture
It is evident that interest in these intricate 19th-century shell-work souvenirs continues to increase. In a relatively short amount of time, sailors' valentines have gained both recognition and status in the world of collecting.
Sailors' valentines were gifts from sailors to their sweethearts that often included affectionate sayings with their designs. For many years, collectors and scholars thought that sailors made these decorative objects during their long voyages at sea. While sailors made items such as scrimshaw and wool works aboard vessels,- they would not have had access to the variety of shells, paper, glass, and wood necessary to make these valentines. Research has also shown that they were made specifically for the souvenir trade, mainly in the West Indies.
From the 1630s to the turn of the 20th century, Barbados, located at the easternmost point of the British West Indies, was an important English and later American port of call for goods such as sugar, rum, lumber, and fish. In the 19th century, a souvenir culture thrived in response to sailors hoping to bring back mementos of their travels. Since shells were a natural commodity on the islands, they were incorporated into a variety of decorative items--from picture frames to cameo work. Production of shell pictures reached its height in the mid- to late 19th century. The Victorian love for collecting and displaying exotic objects from afar possibly fueled the industry and no doubt played to the enthusiasm for the valentines, which comprised hundreds of shells.
Our Victorian Shell Picture is crafted of non-endangered shells in a solid mahogany frame with a glass face for protection. Each one comes with a decorative brass hanger. A beautiful addition to your home, or as a gift for that special person in your life!
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