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"Very nice Posters. The quality is amazing and we received it very quickly !"
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"A shop to visit absolutely. Huge selection of posters. We spent more than an hour there !"
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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
William Saville-Kent was a pioneering British marine biologist and naturalist whose research in Australia played a key role in documenting the Great Barrier Reef's extraordinary biodiversity. In the late nineteenth century, his meticulous studies and illustrations bridged the gap between scientific discovery and public fascination, making the wonders of marine life accessible to a wider audience.
His vintage marine life prints reflect a period when field science, museum collections, and illustrated publications brought the mysteries of the underwater world into everyday life, serving both as educational tools and refined decorative pieces.
The Artwork
This plate, Great Barrier Reef Echinoderms, was created in 1893 as part of Saville-Kent's efforts to catalog and share the diversity of reef organisms. Echinoderms, including starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, were of particular interest to naturalists and fisheries researchers, as they revealed the complexity and interdependence of reef ecosystems.
At a time when Australian marine research was rapidly advancing, such illustrations supported scientific study and public appreciation, highlighting the importance of understanding and protecting fragile reef environments.
Style & Characteristics
The print presents a curated selection of echinoderms, each specimen isolated and clearly rendered for easy comparison. The composition resembles a scientific plate, with crisp outlines and subtle shading lending depth and clarity to each form. The careful spacing and arrangement evoke the feel of a collector's display, prioritizing legibility and order.
Rich marine hues—warm reds, oranges, and pinks set against cooler blues and neutral backgrounds—animate the page without overwhelming it. The result is a precise, inviting scientific print that balances accuracy with visual appeal.
In Interior Design
This vintage scientific print is well suited to interiors that celebrate nature, exploration, or the aesthetics of collecting, such as studies, hallways, or bathrooms. Its refined palette pairs beautifully with sandy neutrals and oceanic blues, bringing a touch of the reef's vibrancy indoors.
It complements other sea and ocean wall art, vintage illustrations from the science collection, or natural history pieces in animal prints. Framed simply, it enhances both classic and contemporary spaces with a sense of discovery.