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Sampler

1633 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

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 is a type known as a band sampler, and it is the earliest signed and dated example in the Museum's collection. With the composition of band samplers comes the first clear indication in England of the form being used as a method of instruction and practice for girls learning needlework.

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read Embroidery – a history of needlework samplers Our collection includes over 700 needlework samplers ranging from as early as the 1400s, to pieces stitched in the 20th century. They offer a fascinating insight into the practice and teaching of an important domestic craft. Find out how the social and educational significance of samplers ...

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen, embroidered with silk in double running, cross and Montenegrin cross stitch
Brief description
Linen sampler by Mildred Mayow, embroidered with silk; English; dated 1633.
Physical description
Embroidered sampler
Dimensions
  • Height: 68cm
  • Width: 17.2cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Mildred Mayow 1633' (Decoration; embroidering; silk; 1633)
Credit line
Given by Muriel Gardiner
Object history
A search of the International Genealogical Index produces only one likely candidate for Mildred Mayow; the daughter of Nicholas Mayow or Maio, christened 7 September 1623 at Chislet in Kent.
Summary
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 is a type known as a band sampler, and it is the earliest signed and dated example in the Museum's collection. With the composition of band samplers comes the first clear indication in England of the form being used as a method of instruction and practice for girls learning needlework.
Bibliographic reference
Browne, Clare and Jennifer Wearden, eds. Samplers from the Victoria and Albert Museum. London : V&A Publications, 1999. 144 p., ill. ISBN 1851773096.
Collection
Accession number
T.194-1927

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Record createdNovember 14, 2002
Record URL
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