Sailors’ Valentines were popular mementos for sailors aboard navy and whaling ships from 1830–1880 and are relatively rare today. Long considered fascinating examples of 19th century maritime craft tradition, these shallow octagonal wooden boxes open to reveal intricate mosaics created from shells of various shapes and colors arranged in Whichever sailor’s valentine speaks to your heart or appetite, forget not those sailors of the 19th century who first brought home these special valentines for the lovers they had left behind. Contemporary artists still create sailor’s valentines fashioned after the originals made both by sailors and the tourist industry in Barbados. A sailor's valentine is a form of shellcraft, a type of mostly antique souvenir, or sentimental gift made using large numbers of small seashells. Sailor's valentines are typically octagonal , glass-fronted, hinged wooden boxes ranging from 8 to 20 inches (20 to 51 cm) in width, displaying intricate symmetrical designs composed entirely of small Valentine’s Day being a day for loved ones is a well known fact. But what is not widely known across masses is that even sailors celebrate St. Valentine’s birthday in their own unique way. In today’s times, given the development of communication technology it has become far simpler and easier to establish a contact with a loved one on the Courtesy Mystic Seaport Museum Contemporary sailor’s valentine by Our Stars Aligned, by Pamela Boynton. Courtesy the artist Contemporary sailor’s valentine Barbados Bound , by Judy Dinnick The Real Story of Sailor’s Valentines. Curious scholars wondered how sailors could have used all the components and equipment needed to create a shell mosaic aboard a ship, including large quantities of tiny shells, wood, nails, cotton, glue, wax, cardboard, newspaper, colored paper, varnish, glass, hinges, screws, hooks and eyes, paint and gilding. More on Sailors’ Valentines. Sailors’ Valentines were popular mementos for sailors aboard navy and whaling ships from 1830–1880 and are relatively rare today. For more information on the history and influence on contemporary arts, read the Collections Chronicles Blog post, Rethinking Sailors’ Valentines. Like modern-day souvenir shops on Galveston's Seawall Boulevard, vendors sold the valentines to sailors passing through the bustling commercial hub. Containing intricate, detailed designs made from shells, the valentines often featured motifs of hearts, flowers or nautical scenes, but despite the name, have no specific link to Valentine's Day. At Papier, our little hearts flutter whenever we set our eyes on one and designer Matilda Goad has fallen head over heels for them too. In fact, sailors’ Valentines were the inspiration for her alluring Papier wedding stationery collection. A few Qs with self-confessed sailors’ Valentines admirer Matilda Goad . Hi Matilda! In 2019, a rare sailor’s valentine depicting a crowned heart sold for £7,800 ($10,900) at an auction in Somerset, UK. Another, featuring a sailing ship motif, went for £3,600 ($5,000) in 2022. These high prices reflect the growing interest in maritime collectibles and the enduring romantic allure of the sailor’s valentine. Whichever sailor’s valentine speaks to your heart or appetite, forget not those sailors of the 19th century who first brought home these special valentines for the lovers they had left behind. Contemporary artists still create sailor’s valentines fashioned after the originals made both by sailors and the tourist industry in Barbados. Sailor’s ReturnValentine’s Day Menu. Book your reservations today by calling (772) 872-7250. Enjoy live entertainment, great views & service. A sailor's valentine is a form of shellcraft, a type of mostly antique souvenir, or sentimental gift made using large numbers of small seashells. Check out our sailors valentines selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our valentines cards shops. Sailor Shirt, Navy Shirt, A Super Hot Sailor Stole My Heart, Navy Wife + Husband, Sailor Husband, Valentine's Day Shirt, Couples Shirts, (2k) $ 21.95 When our Sailors are at the heart of everything we do, spend the holiday of hearts aboard a special Valentine’s Voyage. Whether it’s a Galentine’s getaway or a romantic escape for two, enjoy being the object of affection with exclusive dining options, special spa treatments and workshops — plus delightful surprises you’ll discover in Looking for something sweet to get your favorite sailor for Valentine’s Day? Check out this list of 14 thoughtful AND useful gifts that will make your honey feel loved! I know that I would prefer ANY of these gifts to a box of drugstore chocolates or wilting flowers. If you want to make a subtle hint, leave this open on your desktop 🙂. 1. For passagemaking sailors, it can be a bit challenging to come up with the perfect gift or activity, as the lifestyle demands constant planning and preparedness. But fear not, as we’ve compiled a list of the top 6 Valentine’s ideas for passagemaking sailors, both for men and women. Valentines Gift For Sailors – Men: 💘 Anchored & Adrift – Traffic Light Party at Sailors Rest! 💘 This Valentine’s Day night, we’re turning up the fun with our Traffic Light Party, split across the Lounge Bar & Rooftop! 🌊🍸 Whether you're single, taken, or it's complicated – this is your chance to mingle, dance, and celebrate love your way! 🚦 Wear your color & set the vibe: ️ Taken – Off the market! 💛 Check out our sailors’ valentines selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our valentines cards shops.
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