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Sampler

1839 (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. Making a sampler was part of a girl's school education throughout the 18th century and into the early 1800s. By this time embroidered samplers were very often a simple and undemanding exercise. This sampler is well made but otherwise typical. The needleworker probably copied the decoration from pattern books.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Wool, embroidered with silk in cross stitch
Brief description
Wool sampler by Emma Susanna Matthew, embroidered with silk; English; dated 1839.
Physical description
Embroidered sampler
Dimensions
  • Length: 37.5cm
  • Width: 32.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'Emma Susanna Matthew Aged 10 Years May 1839' (Decoration; embroidering; silk; 1839)
  • Give me O Father to thy throne access, Unshaken seat of endless happiness: Give me unveil'd the source of good to see, Give me thy light and fix thine eyes on me.
  • Transliteration
    .
Credit line
Given by Lady Mary St John Hope
Subjects 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. Making a sampler was part of a girl's school education throughout the 18th century and into the early 1800s. By this time embroidered samplers were very often a simple and undemanding exercise. This sampler is well made but otherwise typical. The needleworker probably copied the decoration from pattern books.
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.102-1939

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Record createdNovember 21, 2002
Record URL
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