Vintage Seashell Wall Plaque

Details

Description

This charming piece is a vintage seashell art plaque, dated August 1975 and marked “Bermuda” on the reverse — a … Read more This charming piece is a vintage seashell art plaque, dated August 1975 and marked “Bermuda” on the reverse — a lovely handmade souvenir from the mid-20th century that captures the essence of seaside artistry.

Design and Composition

Set within a narrow black wooden frame, the artwork features a delicate floral arrangement crafted entirely from natural seashells. The composition depicts two blooming flowers, their soft ivory petals formed from smooth shell fragments, accented by smaller shells suggesting buds and leaves. The “vase” at the base is ingeniously created from a blush-pink spiral shell, grounding the organic bouquet in natural marine tones.

The background is a coarse woven straw or burlap fabric, adding texture and a warm, coastal contrast that enhances the shell’s luster. The palette — whites, creams, pale pinks, and honey tones — evokes the gentle hues of the seashore.

Materials and Craftsmanship

This artwork is made using real seashells, carefully arranged and adhered to a woven substrate. The craftsmanship reflects the popular mid-century tradition of Bermuda shellcraft, where artisans transformed local shells into framed floral scenes for travelers seeking souvenirs that captured the island’s natural beauty.

Each shell has been chosen for its shape and sheen — from tiny cowries and spiral augers to petal-like clam fragments — creating an intricate, dimensional effect.

Era and Origin
• Date: August 1975 (handwritten on back)
• Origin: Bermuda
• Medium: Mixed media shell art on burlap background
• Style: Coastal souvenir / folk art

This piece is part of a charming genre of 1970s Caribbean and Atlantic tourist art, now admired for its nostalgic craftsmanship and ties to the natural world.

Style and Appeal

Today, this artwork reads as both folk craft and natural sculpture, blending organic materials with handmade authenticity. Its restrained color palette and natural textures make it ideal for coastal, cottage, or bohemian interiors — a perfect accent for a gallery wall or a vignette of ocean-inspired curiosities See less