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A Victorian shellwork diorama, in the shape of a 'porthole'. Behind the blown glass is a chromolithograph of a three-masted sailing ship, with a paddle steamer in the distance. In front of the image is an artfully arranged display of shells and seaweed, creating a 3D effect to the view.
 
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.