Embroidered sampler, England, 1660.

Long sampler of linen canvas, embroidered with polychrome silks and white linen in a variety of techniques arranged in horizontal bands;
1. A panel of drawn thread work embroidered with darning and star fillings, design of a running dog and a stylised plant.
2. Narrow panel of drawn thread work, solidly embroidered mainly in darning stitch, with a geometric design.
3. The alphabet, the date '1660' and the initials 'MD' worked with pink, green, and blue silk in cross, Montenegrin cross and Italian double-sided cross stitches.
4 & 5. Angular stems enclosing sprigs of carnations, strawberries, pansies and other flowers in a variety of cross-stitches, double-running rococo, and satin stitches with bullion knots.
6. A narrow strip decorated with an angular stem, bearing sprigs of flowers in cross stitches.
7 & 8. Narrow versions of 4 & 5.
9. Panel of three 'boxers' and two stylised plants embroidered in satin, stem and double-running, button-hole, and over-cast stitches, with cut-silk pile.
10. An angular stem enclosing roses and other flowers, one rose is worked with leaves of detached buttonholing, other details are in satin, stem, double running, buttonhole and cross stitches.
11. Large, stiff sprigs of honey-suckle, rose and other flowers, largely in satin stitch, but with double running rococo and cross stitches.
The sampler has been cut at this point, leaving a raw edge.

Given by Lord Cowdray

During the 17th century in England, samplers developed from personal reference works for embroiderers, containing trials of patterns and stitches, to methods of instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. This example has bands of repeating patterns suitable for the decoration of household linen and clothing, together with an alphabet and the maker's initials and date, indicating her desire to mark her achievement.

T.217-1970