Tess Morley

Shell worker

©Steve Speller

Gathering shells

Tess enjoys using found materials
Much of her work is inspired by the Baroque era
She has worked with the great British grotto restorer Diana Reynell

Tess Morley works with shells, creating decorative panels and mirrors for interior design. She began collecting shells from an early age on the beaches in Suffolk – where she grew up with her parents, who were both artists – and started making shell boxes that were given as presents to friends. After studying fine art at Brighton, she returned to her passion of making shell-encrusted, three-dimensional objects. Tess made shell masks, to which the response was so encouraging she decided to turn her meticulous eye to other objects: obelisks, mirrors, caskets, nautilus shell-cups and chandeliers, sailors’ valentines and even humble salt cellars. Her work is internationally known and is highly prized in both America and Europe. Tess’s restoration of grottoes brought her to the attention of the National Trust and English Heritage.

Interview

©Steve Speller

©Steve Speller

Why did you choose to become an artisan?: I have always loved fine craftsmanship and enjoyed making three dimensional objects. I love collecting natural objects such as fossils, minerals and shells and so the two interests have somehow combined.
How did you begin working with shells?: I started creating a series of decorative Green Man masks from papier mâché and modelling clay, which I decorated with shells. I also adorned small trinket boxes and gave these away as presents. They were so well received, I started to make more and I have not stopped.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I adore Baroque architecture and jewellery. Obviously, I am also passionate about grottoes. I love the work of Giuseppe Arcimboldo, you can clearly see his influence in my Shell Grotesque Portrait heads.
Which are your most important restoration works?: I have worked on the Goodwood Shell House – probably England's finest, the Shell House at Hatfield Forest and the Long Water Grotto at Valentines Park, London. A grotto has a timeless quality which is reflected in my work.

Tess Morley is an expert artisan she began her career in 1997