Hi all - anyone know about this Birmingham industry, if it was an industry? My gt gt gt grandfather worked in tortoiseshell around 1847 and lived around that time in Horsefair where his father was a butcher. He married a girl whose father was a horse dealer. He later describes himself as a 'gentleman' which I think might be a flight of fancy as not really much money in that section of the family. Thank you.
-
Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.
We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team
Tortoiseshell
- Thread starter Yvonne
- Start date
Love tortoisehell. But it it what it's name suggests? If so, I've gone off it. Viv
Vivienne
Originally it did come from turtles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortoiseshell_material ), but modern tortoishell is artificial. In Victorian times there were a number of workers in the material in Brimingham, some also working in mother of pearl to make trinkets & jewellery.
Originally it did come from turtles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortoiseshell_material ), but modern tortoishell is artificial. In Victorian times there were a number of workers in the material in Brimingham, some also working in mother of pearl to make trinkets & jewellery.
Thanks mikejee. It must have been a wonderful material to work with. Beautifully glossy markings and very tactile. But I'm glad the real shells are no longer used. Viv.