Our Stars Aligned by Pamela Boynton
Popular from 1830-1890, geometric mosaics known as “Sailors’ Valentines” were brought back home to a special someone when a sailor returned from a voyage at sea.
Made by gluing hundreds of shells onto cotton batting, and framing the work with octagonal cases of wood and glass, the designs incorporated hearts, flowers, and nautical symbols such as anchors or compass roses. They also frequently bore a message — “Home Again” or “Forget Me Not” — spelled out in tiny shells. They were given by merchant seamen to loved ones when the men safely returned home from what could have been months or years at sea.
For many decades it was thought — rather romantically — that the sailors themselves had made these mementos during their R and R. Truth be told, most of the intricate octagonal seashell designs were made by skilled artisans in Barbados, and were brought home as souvenirs.
The 19th century shellwork mementos were rediscovered in the 1930s and offered to smitten collectors. Sailor’s valentines remain highly collectible items to this day. In the 1960s, contemporary artists started to put their own spin on the painstakingly-crafted tradition.
You can view sailors’ valentines on display at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. To read more about these special shell confections, click here.
For family fun, simply print and color some of the whimsical designs here to give to your favorite valentine!
