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Sampler

1752 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The earliest samplers were reference works for embroiderers. They showed 'samples' of patterns and stitches and recorded how to achieve particular effects. In Europe in the 17th century samplers provided instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. This example from 1752 has features that were typical of samplers made at this time. These include its shape and size, and the combination of religious verse (in this case the Lord's Prayer) with stylized flowers, birds and animals. The girl who made it has also included a windmill and dovecot. These may have been features from her local landscape.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Wool, embroidered with silk in cross and tent stitch
Brief description
Wool sampler by Elizabeth Cridland, embroidered with silk; English; dated 1752.
Physical description
Embroidered sampler
Dimensions
  • Height: 33.7cm
  • Width: 24.7cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Elizabeth Cridland 1752' (Decoration; embroidering; silk; 1752)
Credit line
Given by Miss Edmands
Subjects depicted
Summary
The earliest samplers were reference works for embroiderers. They showed 'samples' of patterns and stitches and recorded how to achieve particular effects. In Europe in the 17th century samplers provided instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. This example from 1752 has features that were typical of samplers made at this time. These include its shape and size, and the combination of religious verse (in this case the Lord's Prayer) with stylized flowers, birds and animals. The girl who made it has also included a windmill and dovecot. These may have been features from her local landscape.
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
288-1886

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Record createdNovember 19, 2002
Record URL
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