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Sampler
Matthew, Emma Susanna, born 1829 - Enlarge image
Sampler
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (made)
- Date:
1839 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Matthew, Emma Susanna, born 1829 (maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Wool, embroidered with silk in cross stitch
- Credit Line:
Given by Lady Mary St John Hope
- Museum number:
T.102-1939
- Gallery location:
In store
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. Making a sampler was part of a girl's school education throughout the 18th century and into the early 1800s. By this time embroidered samplers were very often a simple and undemanding exercise. This sampler is well made but otherwise typical. The needleworker probably copied the decoration from pattern books.
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