Sampler thumbnail 1
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Not currently on display at the V&A

Sampler

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In their earliest form, samplers were put together by embroiderers as personal reference works. They showed trials of patterns and stitches that had been copied from other embroideries. They were records of particular effects achieved that could be re-created again. In England and elsewhere in Europe in the 17th century samplers developed into a method of instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. Moroccan samplers of the 19th century like this one recall the early function of European samplers as collections of designs and stitch effects. Their randomly placed patterns were suitable for the decoration of household linen and clothing.

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Discover more about this object
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
Cotton, embroidered with silk in double running, back, cross, long-armed cross and satin stitch
Brief description
Cotton sampler, embroidered with silk; Moroccan; 19th century.
Physical description
Embroidered sampler
Dimensions
  • Length: 103cm
  • Width: 73.5cm
Credit line
Given by G. D. Pratt
Subject depicted
Summary
In their earliest form, samplers were put together by embroiderers as personal reference works. They showed trials of patterns and stitches that had been copied from other embroideries. They were records of particular effects achieved that could be re-created again. In England and elsewhere in Europe in the 17th century samplers developed into a method of instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. Moroccan samplers of the 19th century like this one recall the early function of European samplers as collections of designs and stitch effects. Their randomly placed patterns were suitable for the decoration of household linen and clothing.
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.35-1933

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Record createdNovember 25, 2002
Record URL
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