Description:Coloured woolen threads in cross-stitch, satin stitch and eyelet hole stitches on linen. From the Staffordshire County Museum Collection.
In the 17th century samplers reached their peak of excellency. A good number from the second half of the century still survive today. Many passed down the generations as heirlooms and sentimental memories.
Evidence suggests that younger girls started to embroider samplers in the 17th century, although it is thought that a need for a similar practice piece must have been present before this point. However, the sampler worked as a decorative and presentable picture seems to have become wide spread as one of a genteel girl’s accomplishment in the 17th century.
25.8 cm x 20.3 cm