Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama of a Ship Passing Lighthouse

Edwardian Valentine Diorama of a Ship Date: Circa 1900 Origin: England Materials: chromolithograph, wood, glass Dimensions: 10 3/4 inches diameter x 2 inches deep (27 cm x 5.08cm) A finely executed example of turn-of-the-century maritime folk art...

British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship in Bay, Circa 1860-75 This meticulously crafted sailor's woolwork, often called a "woolie," is rendered in Berlin wool and portrays a Ro...

A Sailor's Keepsake: The Art of the Barbados Shell Valentine "Double the Affection": An Antique Spanish Cedar Sailor's Valentine This beautiful, octagonal, hinged box is a superb ex...

Iron and Thread: A Sailor's Vision of the Ram-Bow Era This striking 19th-century sailor’s woolwork, or "woolie," captures the essence of a rapidly modernizing Royal Navy, depicting a warship whose very design speaks to an era of dramatic technological change. Crafted with painstaking detail from colored yarns, this textile artwork is a superb example of the folk art traditionally made by British sailors during their long hours at sea , between journeys or in retirement. Dimensions: 19 inches high x 18 1/8 inches wide x 2 inches deep. Historical Context: The Dawn of the Ironclads The vessel illustrated is a powerful, sail-assisted steam warship, but what makes her distinctive is the pronounced, jutting ram-bow visible at her waterline. This feature was a direct consequence of the rise of ironclad warships in the mid-19th century, following the tactical use of ramming during the American Civil War and the Austro-Italian War. The ram-bow was incorporated into new British warship designs from the 1860s onward, turning the bow itself into a formidable weapon. Dating to circa 1880, this woolie belongs to a period when the Royal Navy was building large, powerful capital ships—the very ships that carried the ram. The ship is accurately shown flying the White Ensign, the distinguishing flag of a commissioned Royal Navy warship, and a long white masthead pennant, confirming her status as a vessel in active commission. The simple, bold execution of the ship, set against a classic background of sea and segmented land, creates a work of remarkable visual strength. A Unique Square Presentation The woolwork is notable for its unusual and attractive near-square format, offering a distinct aesthetic among nautical woolies...

19th century unique Folk Art Guernsey shell diorama display We are proud to offer a unique folk-art hand-crafted example of a seashell diorama. Display...

Vintage handmade sea shell encrusted frame in sailors Valentines style with vintage Australian stamps from First Fleet. Great coastal decoration.

English Country style Victorian diorama in oak case of sail/steam ship with small lighthouse.  

19th Century Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama A delightful and highly decorated example of a late 19th century English folk art ships model diorama...