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Sampler

12/12/1783-06/05/1784 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

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. Eleanor Speed made this sampler in 1783-1784. She dated it carefully so that we know it took her a little under five months to complete. The Christian texts she has chosen include the Ten Commandments.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen, embroidered with silk in cross, two-sided cross, gobelin and satin stitch, with eyelets
Brief description
Linen sampler by Eleanor Speed, embroidered with silk; English; dated 1784.
Physical description
Embroidered sampler
Dimensions
  • Height: 45.7cm
  • Width: 21cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Eleanor Speed began this sampler Debr 12 1783 / Eleanor Speed finished this May the 6 1784' (Decoration; embroidering; silk; 1784)
Credit line
Given by Miss E. R. Carey
Summary
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. Eleanor Speed made this sampler in 1783-1784. She dated it carefully so that we know it took her a little under five months to complete. The Christian texts she has chosen include the Ten Commandments.
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.56-1948

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Record createdNovember 19, 2002
Record URL
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