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The World

Sampler
late 18th century (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. By the 18th century girls used samplers to show more than just their needlework skills and religious faith. Geography was used to show both academic and needlework skills. At first, the pupil or her teacher drew the map onto the canvas. The style became so popular that women could buy printed satin versions that were ready to embroider, like this one.

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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
TitleThe World (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Silk, embroidered with silk in running, outline, split, stem, satin and long and short stitch
Brief description
Silk sampler depicting a World map, embroidered with silk; English; late 18th century.
Physical description
Embroidered sampler
Dimensions
  • Height: 45cm
  • Width: 64cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Mrs I. M. C. Robinson
Subject depicted
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. By the 18th century girls used samplers to show more than just their needlework skills and religious faith. Geography was used to show both academic and needlework skills. At first, the pupil or her teacher drew the map onto the canvas. The style became so popular that women could buy printed satin versions that were ready to embroider, like this one.
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.
  • Silk: Fibre, Fabric and Fashion, edited by Lesley Ellis Miller and Ana Cabrera Lafuente with Claire Allen-Johnstone, Thames and Hudson Ltd. in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom, 2021, p. 63
  • Miller, Lesley Ellis, and Ana Cabrera Lafuente, with Claire Allen-Johnstone, eds. Silk: Fibre, Fabric and Fashion. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum, 2021. ISBN 978-0-500-48065-6. This object features in the publication Silk: Fibre, Fabric and Fashion (2021)
Collection
Accession number
T.44-1951

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Record createdNovember 19, 2002
Record URL
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