an antique sailors valentine .
an intricate, stunning mosaic of colourful carribean sea shells, arranged to form flat geometric patterns with a heart and flowers and baring the motto " a present from barbados." the mosaics are covered in glass and housed in a pair of hardwood, spanish cedar and mahogany octagonal frames . 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
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.
