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This brooch is in the form of a buttonhole with shells for flowers and dried seaweed for greenery. The spray is modern but is an exact replica of the original. It was made circa 1890 by an old woman of Holy Island, where shell-work was an industry among the local women. Crafting varnished brooches was also popular in Bamburgh.

1 Brooch: shell

Holy Island [Northumberland]

1875-01-01 - 1899-12-31

Late-nineteenth century

Shell, mollusc, Plant fibre