This column originally appeared in April 20, 2012.
Our forefathers have left us many incredible examples of their talent and craftsmanship over the past centuries. But just as significant, although sometimes overlooked, are the contributions of the housewives of yesteryear. From folk art and hand painted china to needlework and quilts, the domestic talents the women of past generations have survived and found their way into today’s collectible market. At the top of the “must have” list for many are the intricate hand-work pieces known as Samplers.
While no one is certain when the first Samplers were made, we can establish the they go back at least 400 years. The earliest known existing example, from the late 1500s, is signed and dated “Jane Bostocke 1598” and today resides in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. The earliest documented record is credited to Queen Elizabeth of York who listed the purchase of a Sampler in her household expense accounts in 1502.
The Samplers collected by today’s enthusiasts come mainly from the works of the young women of the 18th and 19th centuries. “Sampler,” taken from the Latin word Exeuplum, meaning “an example to be followed,” is a true to the definition as most examples will display a variety of stitches. So complex were many of the early works that they were stored back as an example for future generations.
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Map Samplers came into vogue. While they are highly inaccurate geographically (due to the nature of the medium), they are some of the most intricate pieces ever made. From this time period of “educational samplers” you will also find Almanac Samplers, Alphabet Sampler and those with mathematical times tables. If you are fortunate enough to find one of these they will be very crude in appearance and void of any decoration.
The double benefit to the young girls who made “Educational Samplers” was the mastering of their sewing techniques while learning to count, acquire a knowledge of geography and say their ABCs. These samplers will be signed and dated by the girls who made them and in some cases will have the name of their school. Borders became much more elaborate by the early 1800s, a factor that will help you in determining the age of undated pieces. Watch for examples that incorporate elements of nature such as birds, small animals, flowers and trees. The presence of these will indicate a high level of skill in the seamstress and are among some of the more valuable from this time period.
Religious Samplers became popular during the American Victorian period of the late 1800s. They will often feature the Virgin Mary or a cluster of angels and will have been made with heavy velvet thread. Bible verses or tributes to the Lord (often in German) are on these Samplers. More rare, but worth the search, are those examples that incorporated the use of dried flower, ferns, and in some cases human hair.
As we entered the 20th century the interest in Sampler stitching sharply declined. The view of a woman’s role in society had changed, educational opportunities were on the increase, as was technology, and the traditional role of the woman as a wife and homemaker altered.
Samplers today are often seen as nostalgic decorative pieces and grow in popularity as the trend toward primitive decorating increases. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
