Loggia & Shell Collections

Johann Fust Library - loggia, showing tables, chairs, and fireplace screen
Johann Fust Library - loggia with a wood beam ceiling, walled in on one end and open to the garden on the other
Johann Fust Library - loggia, showing tables, chairs, and fireplace screen
Johann Fust Library - loggia with a wood beam ceiling, walled in on one end and open to the garden on the other

Shell Collections

a collection of shells of varying shapes and sizes on shelves in a wooden cabinet with a glass door
a collection of shells of varying shapes and sizes on shelves in a wooden cabinet with a glass door
a collection of shells of varying shapes and sizes on shelves in a wooden cabinet with a glass door
a collection of shells of varying shapes and sizes on shelves in a wooden cabinet with a glass door

The Henry Francis du Pont Collection

The partially enclosed section of the library’s loggia features two shell collections. The Henry Francis du Pont Collection, located in the two right-hand cabinets, was donated in memory of Mr. DuPont by his family in 1969. This collection was gathered between 1920 and 1969 by Mr. DuPont and his family from the beaches of Gasparilla and Little Gasparilla Islands.

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a collection of shells of varying shapes and sizes on shelves in a wooden cabinet. To the left of the cabinet, a plaque reads World Shell Collection of Conchologist, George M. Melissas
a collection of shells of varying shapes and sizes on shelves in a wooden cabinet with a glass door
a collection of shells of varying shapes and sizes on shelves in a wooden cabinet. To the left of the cabinet, a plaque reads World Shell Collection of Conchologist, George M. Melissas
a collection of shells of varying shapes and sizes on shelves in a wooden cabinet with a glass door

The George Melissas World Shell Collection

In 1999, Mr. George Melissas, a conchologist, donated an impressive collection of shells from his travels. The bright colors and fascinating shapes of shells from all over the world are a much-appreciated gift for all to enjoy. The George Melissas World Shell Collection is housed in the two glass cabinets on the left-hand side.

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Sailor’s Valentine

A Sailor’s Valentine hangs on the wall in the northwest corner of the loggia at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Johann Fust Library Foundation’s office. The stunning and intricate “Sailor’s Valentine” is a form of shell craft popular during the 1800s that utilizes a large number of small shells to create intricate patterns. These were originally made by craftswomen in Barbados and were sold to sailors who brought them home from their voyages to give to their loved ones.

Jim Cowperthwait created this Sailor’s Valentine in honor of his wife, Chris Cowperthwait, a member of the Johann Fust Library Foundation Board from 2011 to 2014. Mrs. Cowperthwait was the president of the Foundation during the library renovation.

Sailor's Valentine by Jim Cowperthwait
Samuel Hobbs Shell Mirror

Sunflower by Samuel S. Hobbs

In 2023, shell artist and Boca Grande resident Samuel S. Hobbs donated his creation called Sunflower to the Johann Fust Library Foundation. His exquisite shell mirror won first place in the Shell Mirror Hobbyist Class at the 85th Anniversary Sanibel Shell Show in 2022. 

Sunflower is on display above the library’s shell collections. Samuel collected all of the shells for his mirror on the beaches of Boca Grande and mounted them on pecky cypress. He continues his family’s tradition of collecting and has elevated it by incorporating these beautiful found shells into works of art. 

Call: (941) 964-0211
Call: (941) 964-0211