SCINTILLATING SURFACES: Mother-of-pearl and the decorative arts with Alison Inglis

This lecture will examine the use of shells (especially mother-of-pearl) in the decorative arts, both as a motif (as in still life painting), and as an ornamental material in its own right.

Examples discussed will include shell grottoes, shell furniture and shell objets d’art.

ALISON INGLIS is an internationally recognised specialist in British 19th = century art. She also has a research interest in Australian art museums and the history of collecting and display in this country. She is currently researching a book on the circulation of works of art around the British Empire between 1850-1950.

maker unknown, a group of six Victorian shell-work flower displays, late 19th century
photo credit | Christie’s, London, South Kensington