A Finely Engraved Turban Shell Featuring a Vignette of the International

This fine work of art has been created from a natural turban shell which has been engraved with a penknife and then inked for contrast. It is highly likely to be the work of the renowned shell and scrimshaw engraver Charles H. Wood. The subject on this shell is a view of the site used for the 1862 International Exhibition in South Kensington (one the present day site of the V&A and other great Kensington museums) designed by Captian Francis Fowke. Although little is known of Wood’s career (see the results of our extensive research below), it is believed that he exhibited his shells at the 1851 Great Exhibition and sold pieces at the 1862 International Exhibition, probably from a stall outside of the main buildings. The present shell was likely made for sale at this time to one of the many thousands of visitors to the exhibition. Shells engraved or cut in cameo by Charles H. Wood are in museums and major private collections worldwide and one was presented to Queen Victoria by the artist himself.

Estimate:£2,850

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