SOLD
 
A late Victorian shellwork diorama in the shape of a porthole, featuring a chromolithograph of a ship sailing into harbour. In front of the image is an artfully arranged display of shells and seaweed creating a 3D effect to the view. In fairly good condition, with only minor losses/damage to shellwork, and light dust to the inside surface of the blown glass lens.
 
These shellwork dioramas were produced in the late Victorian-early Edwardian period as souvenirs of coastal towns and seaside locations, often bought by sailors as presents for their sweethearts.