Needlework sampler

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Date:1670

Description:Linen background. Coloured silk threads in cross, satin, four-sided, Montenegran cross and stroke stitches, and cut and drawn thread work with needlepoint fillings. Alphabet and horizontal bands of floral and geometric motifs. Inscribed 'E.M. 1670'. From the Staffordshire County Collection. 680mm x 222mm.

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.

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Image courtesy of: Staffordshire Museum Service

Donor ref:79.010.0106 (37/21330)

Source: Staffordshire Museum Service

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