sold
a victorian shell keepsake
diameter 230mm
a good victorian shell keepsake.
shell work was very much in vogue when queen victoria came to the throne in 1837. her reign coincided with a period of tremendous expansion as the industrial revolution gave more and more people free time, money and education to enjoy pastimes. coastal resorts and spas became popular holiday destinations. sea shells became very fashionable as souvenirs, in particular when they were incorporated into items such as this roundel, to be taken home as a reminder of the good times spent on holiday or as a keepsake or love token to be given to a potential suitor.
