Not currently on display at the V&A

The Solar System

Sampler
1811 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
England (made)

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. By the 18th century samplers were used to show more than just needlework skills. This sampler dated 1811 is a rare example of astronomy in a needlework exercise. It shows the planets of the solar system, their relationships to the sun, and the 'Orbit of the Comet'.

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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
Household Objects
Embroidery
SCRAN
Object type
Sampler
TitleThe Solar System (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Wool, embroidered with silk in running and cross stitch
Wool
Silk
Embroidering
Brief description
Wool sampler embroidered with silk; English, 1811.
Dimensions
  • Height: 35.5cm
  • Width: 31.8cm
Marks and inscriptions
'1811' (Decoration; embroidering; silk; 1811)
Credit line
Given by Lady Mary St John Hope
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. By the 18th century samplers were used to show more than just needlework skills. This sampler dated 1811 is a rare example of astronomy in a needlework exercise. It shows the planets of the solar system, their relationships to the sun, and the 'Orbit of the Comet'.
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
Young V&A Collection
Accession number
T.92-1939

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Record createdNovember 21, 2002
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O70501/the-solar-system-sampler-unknown/
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