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Encased within the protective embrace of glass cloches, these urns are masterfully adorned with a mosaic of minute seashells, including the distinctive beaks of sea urchins. The shells are meticulously arranged in harmonious, repeating geometric patterns, showcasing an artisan’s precision and reflecting the Georgian era’s deep-rooted fascination with natural history and the marine world’s wonders.

At the heart of each urn lies an enchanting assembly of floristry, a skillful composition of shells, dyed paper, and wire crafted to mimic blooms, foliage, and berries. This celebration of an eternal spring is a testament to an age where the melding of organic elements with crafted beauty was revered, capturing the essence of nature’s splendor in a form that defies the passage of time.

The base of each urn is further adorned with an eclectic mix of natural corals, tumbled rocks, and a variety of clam and snail shells, embedding these pieces firmly within the Georgian fascination with the natural world. These components are not merely ornamental but serve as emblems of the era’s avid interest in exploration, discovery, and the burgeoning field of the natural sciences.

Protected under glass, these urns have been preserved in a state as vivid and detailed as the day they were assembled, standing as both exquisite artifacts of decorative art and as historical snapshots capturing the essence of their time.

Nicholas Wells Antiques is honored to present these unique and mesmerizing creations to those who appreciate the finesse of historical and decorative arts. These pieces promise to enrich any refined interior, inviting conversation and admiration from all who behold them.

Nicholas Wells Antiques advisors are available to answer all your questions. 

Please email us or call +44 (0)207 6920 897

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Pair of George III Shellworks

Stock Number: 62756

Nicholas Wells Antiques is delighted to present a pair of exquisitely crafted, early-19th century English shellworks, each encompassing a campagna-shaped urn meticulously veneered to simulate the esteemed Blue John stone. Originating from the period circa 1800, these objets d’art are a consummate representation of Georgian ingenuity and aesthetics.

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This unique piece is subject to availability.
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Telephone: +44 (0) 207 6920 897

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Our description of any item on the website, any condition report and any other statement made by us (whether orally or in writing) about any item, including about its nature or condition, artist, period, materials, approximate dimensions, or provenance are our opinion and not to be relied upon as a statement of fact.

Returns

In the UK Online sales of this kind are known as ‘distance selling’. We offer a refund to customers if you’ve told us within 3 days of receiving the goods that you want to cancel. You have another 14 days to return the goods once you’ve told us of your intention. A refund will be issued within 14 days of receiving the goods back in the same condition. Return shipping should be the same level as received with insurance, we recommend using the same shipper at your cost. If needed we will help organise suitable shipping.

We will refund the purchase price, excluding delivery costs and taxes, within 14 days of the safe receipt of items in the same condition as supplied. The liability for any damage incurred during transit will remain with the sender. We recommend that adequate insurance is placed on items when returning them to us.

All returns must be communicated prior to an item being sent back.

We extend these Return terms to our international clients.

Delivery Options

We will ship worldwide however the costs vary between countries so please email us for a quote. Depending on the item we will recommend the most suitable method.

Our preferred international shipping methods include fine art shippers Gander and White, Art Logistics, Cadogan Tate for items over £5,000. For Fedex, DHL or UPS shipments we expertly pack in-house in wooden crates or heavy duty cardboard – Suitable for most items under £5000. If you have your own shippers we are very happy to coordinate with them.

INSURANCE

All items are sent fully insured at the invoice value.

LOCAL TAXES

All items are inclusive of all local taxes but may be subject to additional charges for importation and taxes local to the client. Antiques are zero-rated to the USA, all items ship with the correct paperwork. While we are not liable for these additional charges we do encourage clients to research these prior to purchasing items from us. We will make a full value disclosure, as required by the insurance, on all items sent overseas. This is required to ensure proper insurance cover in sending valuable items.

EXPORT LICENCES & CITES

Where required we will oversee the completion of all export licenses for high-value items. We will also arrange for CITES paperwork for materials of endangered species including ivory, tortoiseshell, stuffed birds etc.

DELIVERY TIMES

This is dependent on the size and value of the object, all items are checked over and polished before shipping and will generally have wooden crates made. This all takes time so expect 10 – 20 working days for delivery unless the item is small in which case 2-3 days from order.

CUSTOMS

Every effort is made to make Customs Clearance as quick as possible, items held in customs are out of our control. They may require documents / ID to release the goods, please keep this in mind, it is just procedure.

INSURANCE VALUATION

All our antiques now also come with an invoice as a Valuation Certificate for insurance purposes.