Yes, indeed, those "strange, Victorian sculptural things" were/are called
"shell-work," a subcategory of the larger nineteenth-century practice of
"fancy-work."  For relevant discussion, please consult Nancy Dunlap
Bercaw, "Solid Objects/Mutable Meanings:  Fancywork and the Construction
of Bourgeois Culture, 1840-1880," Winterthur Portfolio 26:4 (Winter
1991):  231-248; and Beverly Gordon, "Victorian Fancy Goods:  Another
Reappraisal of Shaker material Culture," ibid. 25:2/3 (Summer/Autumn
1990):  111-130.

You may want to consult Godey's Lady's Book for designs--GLB was
published until 1898.  It would be interesting, perhaps, to replicate
some of those designs in your programs.  Best of luck!

Shirley teresa Wajda
University of Iowa

On Sun, 6 Aug 1995, amy sundback wrote:

> Does anyone know anything about those strange, Victorian sculptural things
made
> out of seashells...?  I hate to be so vague, and to use such technical
> terms.  Yes my ignorance is showing...
>
> any help would be appreciated.  Any suggestions about research info
> would be great, as would the names of these things.
>
> I'm helping to organize a Family Day
> that will accompany an Exhibit about the 1890's, Worcester, MA, and
> John singer Sargent's visit to said Worcester during that time.  I'm
> looking for activities to do that involve popular arts and crafts of
> the era...but really want to know what these things are called!
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Amy sundback
>
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