Wool sampler by Sarah Brignell, embroidered with silk, England, 1780

Sampler of a selvedge width of wool canvas embroidered with silk in shades of black, red, blue, green, yellow and cream with straight and irregular stitches with long and short stitch.

In the centre, there is a round compartment containing a lady in a rural landscape with a large bird, flowers, a butterfly and a stag. There is a wide border of scrolling, leafy stems with large carnations, honeysuckle, rose and other flowers.

The remaining space is filled by an inscription;

'A Hymn of St. Josaph Addis
To the My God I hourly sigh but Not for golden Star
Nor Court I the brightest gems (?) on the rich Eastern
Shore: Nor that Deluding Empty joy Men call A
Mighty name nor greatness in its gayest (?) Pride my
Restless thoughts inflame: nor pleasure sort imiceing (?)
Charms my fond desire alure for Greater things
Than these from thee my wishes would secure
Those blissful those transporting
smiles that brighten heaven
Above The bou-
ndless riches
of thy grace
and Treasures
of they Love. These are
The mighty things I crave O make these blessings
Mine and I the Glories of the world contentedly
resign. Sarah the daughter of William And
Sarah brignell was born October the 24
In the year of our Lord 1769
My sampler finished Feb the 2 day 1780'

The whole design of the sampler is closer to those of the second than of the last quarter of the 18th century and the inscription is written with long 'S' and other 'out of date' characters.

The sampler has since been backed.

Bequeathed by Dame Ada MacNaghten

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. Sarah Brignell completed this sampler in 1780 when she was ten years old. Its deep floral border enclosing a religious verse makes it suitable for display.

T.46-1970