Sampler: T.19-1938

Maker(s)

Production: Unidentified

Entities

• Sampler
• Category: double band sampler

Categories

• Embroidery

Description

Double band sampler of linen embroidered with polychrome silks and silver metal thread, comprising by two incomplete veritcal alphabets dividing the sampler into two sections, bands of repeating floral border patterns, and one one of three birds alternating with plants

Linen double band sampler embroidered with pale blue, pale pink, green, and pale purple silks in cross, Montenegrin cross, double running, satin and trellis stitch with some speckling. Silver metal thread is couched and interlaced. All the sides of the sampler are hemmed and there is a selvedge at the top and the bottom. The sampler is divided into two sections by a vertical band in the centre containing two incomplete alphabets divided by small motifs with the letters "E.R" worked at the top. On either side are horizontal bands of repeating border patterns of stylized flowers within geometric meanders or arcades, On the left side of the sampler the fifth band from the bottom is worked with three repeating opposing, blue pigeons divided by a single or triple stem of roses.

Legal notes

Bequeathed by Mrs H.A. Longman

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed by Longman, H. A., Mrs

Dating

17th Century, Late
Circa 1680 CE - Circa 1701 CE

Note

Several of the patterns on this sampler are very similar to other samplers of this period; almost certainly these patterns are based on popular pattern books published in England throughout the seventeenth century such as Shorleyker's "The Needle's Excellency" from 1624, or Boler's "Needle Excellency" from 1631. The English publications were compilations of copied or adapted patterns from earlier Continental books.