Sampler
13/08/1796 (completed)
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. Embroiderers began to use more picture decoration and often made samplers in a form suitable for display. In the 18th century, they often used trees, flowers and birds. Here these picture decorations are combined with alphabets and a moral verse as well as the maker's name and the date it was completed. European settlers took the tradition of sampler-making to the USA. This example comes from Boxford, Massachusetts.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Linen, embroidered with silk in cross, satin, surface satin and chain stitch |
Brief description | Linen sampler by Lucy Symonds, embroidered with silk; American; dated 1796. |
Physical description | Embroidered sampler |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions | 'Lucy Symonds aged eleven years / Boxford August ye 13 1796' (Decoration; embroidering; silk; 1796) |
Credit line | Given by Mrs Antrobus |
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. Embroiderers began to use more picture decoration and often made samplers in a form suitable for display. In the 18th century, they often used trees, flowers and birds. Here these picture decorations are combined with alphabets and a moral verse as well as the maker's name and the date it was completed. European settlers took the tradition of sampler-making to the USA. This example comes from Boxford, Massachusetts. |
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.30-1923 |
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Record created | November 19, 2002 |
Record URL |
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