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Sampler

16th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In their earliest form, samplers were put together as personal reference works for embroiderers. They were trials of patterns and stitches that had been copied from others, and records of particular effects achieved that could be recreated again. They would have been the work, not of children, but of more experienced embroiderers, and, to judge from the quality of samplers like this one, of professionals too.

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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
Linen, embroidered with silk in back and long-armed cross stitch
Brief description
Linen sampler embroidered with silk; Italian; 16th century
Physical description
Embroidered sampler
Dimensions
  • Height: 80cm
  • Width: 47cm
Subjects depicted
Summary
In their earliest form, samplers were put together as personal reference works for embroiderers. They were trials of patterns and stitches that had been copied from others, and records of particular effects achieved that could be recreated again. They would have been the work, not of children, but of more experienced embroiderers, and, to judge from the quality of samplers like this one, of professionals too.
Bibliographic references
  • Browne, Clare and Jennifer Wearden, eds. Samplers from the Victoria and Albert Museum. London : V&A Publications, 1999. 144 p., ill. ISBN 1851773096.
  • 'True Stitch: early samplers and the use of double running stitch' by Jennifer Wearden in Hali Issue 112, September/October 2000, pp. 92-97
Collection
Accession number
T.14-1931

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Record createdNovember 13, 2002
Record URL
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