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The Request
Musto, Elizabeth, born 1825 - Enlarge image
The Request
- Object:
Sampler
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (made)
- Date:
mid 19th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Musto, Elizabeth, born 1825 (maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Wool, embroidered with silk in cross stitch
- Credit Line:
Given by W. Musto
- Museum number:
T.6-1935
- 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. The girl who made this sampler was fourteen years old when she completed it. She was older than most other girls who date their work, but her needlework is very skilled.
