- Image reference 2006AP0808
- Enlarge image
Sampler
- Place of origin:
England (made)
- Date:
1600-1650 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Linen, embroidered with silk and metal thread in tent, Romanian, rococo and plaited braid stitch, with eyelets and knots
- Credit Line:
Given by Francis C. Eeles
- Museum number:
T.80-1918
- Gallery location:
In store
In their earliest form, samplers were put together as personal reference works for embroiderers. They were trials of patterns and stitches that had been copied from others, and records of particular effects achieved that could be recreated again. This example, with scattered individual motifs, is a spot sampler. It includes a typical range of motifs, with areas of repeating pattern, some suitable for the decoration of linen or costume accessories, such as purses.



