a sailors shell valentine " a present from st. Lucia " with interesting provenance.
an intricate, stunning mosaic of colourful carribean sea shells, arranged to form flat geometric patterns with a heart and flower and bearing the motto " a present from st. Lucia " the mosaics are covered in glass and housed in a pair of hardwood, spanish cedar and mahogany octagonal frames, this particular valentine has been overpainted in pink at some stage, maybe the sweethearts favourite colour. the mosaics are hinged together enabling them to be closed protecting the design and glass so that the valentines can be stored safely for travel.
each frame measures 225mm x 225mm x 30mm
size when fully open 455mm x 225mm x 30mm
this sailors valentine was made in the Caribbean in the mid -19th century, it was brought home by a crew member of the sailing ship " lurline" ( along with the un painted cased example we have for sale ) where it remained in the same family of Salcome mariners until it was sold at auction in 2020.
the " lurline " was built by harden and whiddon, salcombe, and was launched on the 17th march 1870. she was a 201 ton brigantine built for steer & co. the lurline was built for speed and was initially engaged in the fruit trade between the uk and the carribean where a fast home passage to get the cargo to market before it spoilt was essential. with the advent of larger steam ships the need for these small fast sailing ships diminished. the lurline was finally lost in 1892 whilst carrying a cargo of coal from hull destined for alderney. she drifted ashore on middle scroby sands off Norfolk during dense fog. the crew were saved
the story of sailors valentines evokes romance, majestic sailing ships and long sea voyages, adventures in the new world. it was originally thought that sailors made the valentines at sea to bring home as a gift for a loved one. this was probably in part the case., but in fact the majority of shell valentines were sold to sailors as souvenirs between 1830-1890 by two enterprising english brothers b.h and g.g. belgrave who owned a shop called " the new curiosity shop " in mcgregor street, bridgetown, barbados. the brothers recognised the romantic and exotic significance of the valentines and commissioned local artisans to make the mosaics using locally collected shells. the mosaics were keenly bought by passing sailors to take home to a loved one as a gift or token of his esteem. the shell valentines were proudly displayed in the recipients home not only as a show of a loved ones affection but also as a marvel , a curiosity from exotic far distant lands. sailors would gift a love token to a sweetheart as a reminder of the promise to return from voyages overseas.
