[HILLHOUSE, Mary?] Watercolour shell illustrations on card in contemporary embossed box [by Dobbs]. 35 beautifully executed watercolours on cards approx. 14.5 cm x 10 cm and a further smaller card approx.10.5 cm x 6 cm. The cards usually show individual shells, occasionally with seaweed decorations, each with a name beneath, and with shading to add to the realism. Shells illustrated include Trochus, Nerita, Conus, Haliotis, Chama, Spondylus, Mya, Strombus, Arca, and Pinna. They are in Near Fine condition with minor markings from handling or foxing only. The cards are accompanied by an album of similarly fine work. The title page bears the name “Mary” believed to be Mary Hillhouse, who had connections to Clough and Butler families. The Hillhouse link was through a mourning ring; sold separately at auction we understand. The album has watermarks for 1830, and the date would fit the production of the cards also. The album, bound in the original black embossed boards [ by Bell & Co, London] approx 19 cm x 12cm, all edges gilt, has several finely executed images in pencil and watercolour including two feather paintings, views, flowers etc. The album has many blank pages and is in Very Good condition externally with some wear to the head and tail of the spine, internally Near Fine.