Antique Sampler, 1779, by Mary Elley

George III, dated 1779. 13.4ins high, 12.6ins wide, 0.8ins deep. 1779 Sampler by Mary Elley.

The sampler is worked in silk on linen ground, in cross stitch throughout.

Meandering floral border.

Colours red, cream, blue, light brown, black, pink, greens and yellow.

Verses read,

'Vice afks no more of us then to begin

One sins the parent of another sin honer is

Honour's A shelvy eye without a shore

Which when once lost can be regaind no more'

and,

'If happiness be your pursuit plant virtue

And content is the fruit

Know then this truth enough for man to know

virtue alone is happiness below'

and,

'Renounce each meaner art he that persist

Which shews the useful science to be good

Loin prudence with your virtue crown the whole

With meekness and purity of soul'.

Signed and dated,

'Mary Elley finished this work in the year 1779'.

A good set of motifs, some finely embroidered, including a fruit tree,

birds,

potted flowering plants,

a dog,

fruit baskets,

fir trees,

thistles and rabbits.

Framed in an old, possibly original wood frame with rippled, dimpled, old glass.

Mounting: The sampler is fixed to card. Frame backed with wood.

CONDITION: Good.

A few holes.

No stains.

Slight stitch loss to one of the holed areas

and a couple of loose threads.

Colours are all good and strong with no noticeable fading.

No colour run.

Neatly and evenly stretched.

Frame showing slight wear, otherwise sound.

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