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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1107683
FOR SALE
£795
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Early 20th Century English Folk Art Shell Diorama
The House of Antiques
for sale €930     $1,010
£795
The House of Antiques

The House of Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2022
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Early 20th Century English Folk Art Shell Diorama

1900 - 1920
Description

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Shell Work Diorama Scene

A unique example of an early 20th Century English folk art shell work diorama. Encased in a pine and wallpaper covered display box. Showcasing a village scene, covered in coral and shells. A river running through the central display with mirrored backing. The scene displays houses with chimneys, village people in different shapes and sizes, plant foliage and trees, steps leading up to the village from the river side, a horse and cart, old pub called “The bell inn” with trade sign outside, windmill and lots more. The glass is from the 19th century and shows a wobbly effect (which is typical this age) as shown in the photos provided. Uncovered from a private collection earlier this month, a complete one off.

Size in inches: H 16” x W 26” x D 13.5”

Origin: English

Date: Early 20th Century

Condition: Aged

Weight: 10kg

We believe this item is around 80 to 100 years old, still in complete original condition. There is wear and tear present in the form of faded surface, natural damage (internally when shells have become loose, and figures have fallen over). The painted box has loss in the form of chipped paint and wood as we have shown also.

We strongly suggest reviewing all the photos provided as part of this advert and propose questions where sections are unclear to avoid disappointment upon purchase.

A direct message usually takes 24 hours to answer.

For multiple years we have sold antique items globally, please review our client feedback as a testament to our products and services. Expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, we only restore due to breaks and major loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report if this has been down before or after we have obtained them.

Physical Dimensions
Height
40.6cm (15.98")
Width
66cm (25.98")
Depth
34.3cm (13.50")
Declaration

The House of Antiques has dated this Antique Shell Art Diorama to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1107683
Dealers Internal Reference
Shell Diorama
Description
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Shell Work Diorama Scene

A unique example of an early 20th Century English folk art shell work diorama. Encased in a pine and wallpaper covered display box. Showcasing a village scene, covered in coral and shells. A river running through the central display with mirrored backing. The scene displays houses with chimneys, village people in different shapes and sizes, plant foliage and trees, steps leading up to the village from the river side, a horse and cart, old pub called “The bell inn” with trade sign outside, windmill and lots more.

“
The glass is from the 19th century and shows a wobbly effect (which is typical this age) as shown in the photos provided.
The House of Antiques

Uncovered from a private collection earlier this month, a complete one off.

fig 1. An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines.
fig 1. Early 20th Century English Folk Art Shell Diorama

Size in inches: H 16” x W 26” x D 13.5”

Origin: English

Date: Early 20th Century

Condition: Aged

Weight: 10kg

We believe this item is around 80 to 100 years old, still in complete original condition. There is wear and tear present in the form of faded surface, natural damage (internally when shells have become loose, and figures have fallen over). The painted box has loss in the form of chipped paint and wood as we have shown also.

fig 2. An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines.
fig 2. Early 20th Century English Folk Art Shell Diorama

We strongly suggest reviewing all the photos provided as part of this advert and propose questions where sections are unclear to avoid disappointment upon purchase.

A direct message usually takes 24 hours to answer.

fig 3. An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines.
fig 3. Early 20th Century English Folk Art Shell Diorama

For multiple years we have sold antique items globally, please review our client feedback as a testament to our products and services. Expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, we only restore due to breaks and major loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report if this has been down before or after we have obtained them.

Height
40.6cm (15.98")
Width
66cm (25.98")
Depth
34.3cm (13.50")
Date of Manufacture

The House of Antiques has dated this Antique Shell Art Diorama to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1107683
Dealers Internal Ref
Shell Diorama
The House of Antiques
The House of Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2022
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The House of Antiques Profile Page

Relevant Links
PDF SHARE
SAVE
An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines.
1 / 14
Archive I An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines.

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Shell Diorama

Archive II An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View II
Archive III An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View III
Archive IV An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View IV
Archive V An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View V
Archive VI An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View VI
Archive VII An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View VII
Archive VIII An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View VIII
Archive IX An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View IX
Archive X An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View X
Archive XI An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View XI
Archive XII An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View XII
Archive XIII An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View XIII
Archive XIV An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines. View XIV
Enlarged Archival View
The House of Antiques

The House of Antiques
Telephone 07568 151 752
Location
22 Goodmayes Lane
Ilford
Essex
IG3 9NZ
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/thehouseofantiques
Verified Since Nov 2022
Items For Sale 141
Items Sold 11
The House of Antiques
The House of Antiques
Verified Since Nov 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: 22 Goodmayes Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG3 9NZ, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/thehouseofantiques
Verified
Nov 2022
For Sale
141
Sold
11
An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines.
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Shell Diorama
Ref: SA1107683
An early 20th-century glazed wooden shadow box containing a miniature seaside village diorama constructed from natural sea shells, painted miniature houses, a red bridge, and small figurines.
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FAQs

A folk art shell diorama is a hand-crafted three-dimensional miniature landscape or scene created inside a glazed wooden shadow box using gathered sea shells, paint, and small found objects. Popular in British coastal regions during the 19th and early 20th centuries, these creations were often made by local artisans or sailors as decorative keepsakes.

Traditional shellwork relied on locally sourced or imported sea shells, small carved wooden elements, paper, paint, glass, and animal glues. The components were arranged systematically within a protective timber frame sealed behind clear glass.

Authentic period pieces exhibit natural aging to the wood framing, period-appropriate glass with slight waviness or imperfections, and aged adhesive. The paintwork on miniature figures and structures typically shows light surface cracking or wear consistent with age.

Position the shadow box on a neutral bookshelf, mantelpiece, or side console table alongside plain glass or ceramic items to highlight its intricate texture. Placing it in a room with coastal or traditional design elements helps integrate its maritime motif.

Keep the piece in a dry climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight to prevent colour fading and shell detachment. Dust the outer wooden frame and glass with a dry microfibre cloth, avoiding liquid cleaners that could seep into the sealed interior.
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