Rare Interwar English Folk Art Shellwork Box

A rare and highly decorative example of English folk art dating to the early 20th century. This unique piece is cleverly built around a Victorian pine box, spectacularly transformed into a vibrant seaside keepsake.

The box features a bold, masterfully arranged collection of native English seashells. The four sides are meticulously encrusted with shells forming graduated, symmetrically matching geometric borders. The top lid showcases a more varied, sculptural collective display of distinct individual specimens, making the piece wonderfully tactile and visually striking from every angle. The box is raised on simple, sturdy square block feet that anchor its form. Reassuringly robust, it retains its original, strong brass hinges alongside a fully functioning Victorian brass lock and its matching key. It remains in good condition, with the natural shells showing a beautiful, soft age-related patina that adds to its authentic period charm.

Origin: England

Period: Interwar Period / Folk Art, circa 1930 (on a Victorian carcass)

Materials: Shellwork (English Sea Shells), Solid Pine, Brass.

Condition: Good original antique condition. The shellwork is largely intact and stable; the wood and shells show an attractive natural patina. Lock and hinges are fully functional with key included.

.Dimensions: Height 20cm × Width 44cm × Depth 24cm

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques