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Sampler

1800 (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 sampler and its pair (Museum no.T.97-1939) were made by two English sisters. They used their imagination to make creative examples that are full of personality at a time when many samplers were simply standard undemanding exercises.

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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
Wool, embroidered with silk in cross and satin stitch
Brief description
Wool sampler by Mary Ann Richards, embroidered with silk; English; dated 1800.
Physical description
Rectangular sampler of wool embroidered with silk in cross-stitch. The illustrations include a central inscription of a verse and the author's details, surrounded by a border of snaking laurel, on top of which are two birds of paradise, and with a rural scene of fields and farmhouses either side. Beneath this is a red house with fence and trees, further down a selection of flowers. The whole sampler is bordered with scrolling foliage.
Dimensions
  • Height: 48.3cm
  • Width: 32.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'Mary Ann Richards her Work June / The First 1800' (Decoration; embroidering; silk; 1800)
  • 'Tell me ye knowing and discerning few Where I may find a Friend both firm and true Who dares stand by me when in deep distress' And then his Love and Friendship most express
Credit line
Given by Lady Mary St John Hope
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 sampler and its pair (Museum no.T.97-1939) were made by two English sisters. They used their imagination to make creative examples that are full of personality at a time when many samplers were simply standard undemanding exercises.
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.96-1939

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Record createdNovember 20, 2002
Record URL
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