Sailor's Valentines May 24, 2007

'Sailor's Valentines' originated during the whaling era as a romantic token from the sea that homesick sailors fashioned for loved ones back home. Each valentine involves carefully orchestrated geometric patterns providing the background for elaborately textural arrangements of tiny shells and flowers. Flower patterns, hearts and wind-roses were popular designs used in the compositions in combination with sentimental greetings such as "Think of Me," "Home sweet Home" and "With Love." This exhibition will feature antique valentines from public and private collections.