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'A form of embroidery that evolved in the 17thC, used to demonstrate needlework skills...' |
To read our article on samplers, click on the blue tabs above. Many of the samplers illustrated are available for sale from our website. Other pictures are taken from Madelena's research archive. For easier printing and distribution, if you log into your 'myMadelena' account, .pdf versions of our articles can be accessed from there. We hope you find our article of interest. Corrections, comments, etc. are most welcome. Please email davidtulk@madelena.com. |
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Read why samplers appeal to a broad range of people.
Discover events that shaped development of samplers.
Find out what was used and when.
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See fully illustrated list of sampler types and groups.
A brief summary of sampler making countries other than England.
Some tips on how to tell the difference.
What makes a sampler valuable? |
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They resonate with social history.
Available in sizes from miniature to two feet square. |
Unusual sizes occur e.g. a rare whitework sampler 34ins. long They come in monochromes or in colors, from muted to loud, in value from $100 to $200,000, suitable samplers can be found and frames matched to enhance any decorator theme, fitting conveniently into spaces on the walls.
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They are a constant reminder of your own impeccable taste.
They are the only antiques in existence that were made by children Children are adored universally, well almost. To preserve, to own, to display the work of young girls and women who were alive as long ago as the time of the Mayflower , to glimpse something of their schooling, their homes , their families’ country estates , holds an irresistible appeal. When occasionally we sense their emotions as they stitch - unfettered frustration , joy , sorrow - we cannot help but be touched. |
15th Century 1400-1499 Some of the earliest examples of decorative needlework date from the 15thC. 16th Century 1500-1599 Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536-1541) and into the reign of Elizabeth (1558-1603) decorative needlework becomes a highly fashionable occupation for upper class ladies, a mark of wealth and status. Their work was invariably unsigned , with rare exceptions . Examples survive, together with one solitary signed and dated sampler. References to the stitching of samplers in the literature of the day are common , and pattern books were in print from 1520 onwards, so there is little doubt that undated unsigned samplers do exist, but identifying them is difficult when so few examples are available to compare. 17th Century 1600-1699 Social patterns gradually change. The traditional modesty over signing and dating of samplers is relaxed. Education for girls and the poor is considered for the first time. Needlework and literacy, become elements in any curriculum. Early samplers, which were unsigned and undated, recorded only motifs and patterns. Skill in letters and numbers was not a requirement. This gradually changed until by 1660 most band samplers included alphabet, numerals, and name, and were dated, though spot samplers almost never were. Inscriptions too, were appearing more often, intended to improve the mind. Pattern books continued to spread knowledge. |
18th Century 1700-1799 The moral issue of relief for the poor was beginning to be taken up by philanthropists who had made fortunes in commerce. Some institutions and schools were built to improve life expectancy and to provide some hope for the needy. Useful needlework, with sampler making in some cases a purely recreational adjunct, formed a significant portion of the curriculum. Household linen, clothing etc. continued to be hand-made, marked, repaired and embellished by womenfolk. Her ability to read and if necessary to write her name, was becoming an important consideration in addition to needlework skills when a gentleman was seeking a wife. Heralding further change in domestic embroidery, new color printed cottons were becoming available despite legislation protecting against cotton imports from 1700-1774. Sampler forms had changed in direct response to their change in purpose from pattern records to decorative objects. Band sampler rigid patterns and long thin shape gave way to a rectangular form suitable for framing behind glass and hanging.
Borders could now enclose pictorial elements, with more freedom of artistic expression, trailing flower and leaf patterns, and new stitches . Emphasis moved to longer inscriptions, prayers, bible verses, and hymns, and to more landscapes, pictorial scenes, houses, buildings, genealogies, memorial samplers, and biblical samplers. From circa 1780-1820 there was a craze for the oval format, seen in map samplers , darning samplers, and Quaker School extract samplers. The fashion came, and just as suddenly disappeared.
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19th Century 1800-1899 The founding of new schools continued. But for the desperately poor, living in squalor with no sanitation life expectancy was short. Until mid-century it was believed that disease was caused by bad air. In 1852 it was proved that bad water was the cause. Action to provide piped fresh water followed, with sewers soon after . Aniline dyes began replacing vegetable dyes in the 1840’s. Compulsory education was introduced in 1870. Simple school samplers were stitched by children as young as six years of age and were used for the teaching of alphabet and numbers, often with a short ‘improving’ inscription. Older girls progressed to more ambitious designs, usually with longer ‘improving’ inscriptions, verses, and extracts, in addition to collections of practical needlework. 20th Century 1900-1999 In 1900 the first ever major exhibition of samplers was organised by the Fine Art Society Exhibition, showing 340 samplers from 1640 onwards. Patterns continued to be published, and samplers stitched for fun, but the need for samples for reference had long ceased, and skill with the needle was no longer a necessity of life. Needlework and sampler making were at a low ebb for some decades. Happily publications, guilds, research, attainment of the highest levels of skill, and the sheer pleasure of stitching have in recent decades enjoyed a strong revival. |
A variety of materials and stitches have been used in samplers over the centuries. 16th Century 1500-1599 The materials in use were all extremely expensive at this date. Grounds: Linen Threads: Silk, silver, gold, seed pearls and beads. 16th Century colors were predominantly light in tone, but included some black, some dark ruby, mid-browns, and mid-greens. Stitches: A great variety of stitches and techniques were in use. 17th Century 1600-1699 Grounds: Linen, bleached and unbleached; some yellow; hand loom widths 20-24 inches translates into band samplers 20-24 inches long with selvedge top and bottom; width 6 1/2 to 12 inches. Threads: Silk, linen, silver and gold. Stitches: A great variety in use including those used in open work; needlepoint lace as trimmings for caps, cuffs, handkerchiefs, cravats, etc. and raised work. |
18th Century 1700-1799 Grounds: Linen, wool, silk , cotton. Circa 1720 saw the introduction of tammy cloth, a fine, even, woollen canvas, somewhat prone to moth damage. Circa 1770-1800 Tiffany was in vogue. By the end of the century the selvedge edges of hand looms are gone. Sampler edges were now hemmed or over sewn. Threads: Silk, linen, some silver and gold. Stitches: The variety of stitches drops off as this century progresses. Between 1700-1750 eyelet stitch and satin stitch were used predominantly for letters in alphabets, numerals and inscriptions.
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19th Century 1800-1899 Grounds: Linen, wool, silk, cotton, paper. After circa 1850 woollen canvas grounds were more common than linen. Perforated paper also came into use circa 1850. Circa 1880 a coarse double mesh cotton canvas became very popular for wool work. Threads: Silk, linen, wool. From circa 1830-1880 Berlin wool work was all the rage. Stitches: Mostly cross stitch. 20th Century 1900-1999 Grounds: Linen, wool, silk, cotton, paper. Threads: Silk, cotton, cotton-like, wool, metallic, also beadwork. Stitches: Mostly cross stitch. |
Every type of sampler we encounter looks the way it does for two reasons: what it was to be used for, and what society expected of the stitcher. Types were sometimes mixed, providing added interest for today’s collectors. Certain samplers fall into groups of particular interest, not exactly types. We have tacked these on to the end of this section. We will incorporate revisions to Earliest /Latest dates ongoing. Our research to arrive at some of the dates shown here has been limited, so contributions from readers will be most welcome. Spot sampler: A collection of spot motifs. Dated specimens are very rare. Was used as a collection of motifs for future reference; lived in the needlework casket or bag, rolled up; ideal shape long and thin; society had no influence on it’s form whatsoever. Band sampler: A series of horizontal bands Used in part as a collection of patterns, stitches and techniques, an aide memoire; therefore needed to be rolled up and stored with the rest of the embroidery materials; ideal shape long and thin; evolved into an display of educational attainment and needlework skills so had to be neat, tidy and presentable. White work sampler: A band sampler all in white A speciality band sampler to display the skills in open work and cut work that were fashionable at a particular period in time.
Map Sampler: Maps of Yorkshire, England, Ireland, Europe, Palestine, Africa, The World, etc. Used to teach needlework, writing, and basic Geography; results were expected to be on display so ideal shape rectangular; map samplers were greatly in fashion from circa 1780-1820. Miniature Sampler: Very small samplers, watch covers, etc.
Darning Sampler: A collection of darning patterns Used partly as a collection of techniques for future reference, partly for display, so shape rectangular; the fashion for darning samplers coincides with the fashion for map samplers circa 1780-1820. Darning samplers were often ‘in addition’ to a girl’s school-leaving sampler. |
Extract samplers: Used to exhibit meticulous fine calligraphy skill with needle, high morals, and plain Quaker ethos, within a simple border.
Medallion samplers: Used to emphasise community as well as skill with needle.
 1806 Quaker School medallion sampler Bristol Orphanage sampler: Distinctive of the Bristol Orphanage Schools Used to evidence needlework skill in marking and to prove attendance at an institution with a reputation for the highest moral values. Typically with densely grouped alphabets and numbers, very finely stitched. ‘Named School’ Samplers: Samplers showing name of school in addition to name of stitcher and date. Knowing the name of the school can help when researching. Named School’ samplers are generally more advanced than common alphabet/marking/school samplers. House Samplers depicting house / castle / church /school and surrounds Of various complexity, these were frequently stitched at home under the supervision of a governess, often to a high standard. Used to display attainment in needlework, individuality and imagination in design. Verses usually lighter, not so darkly religious, possibly reflecting an abnormally lengthy life expectancy among the inhabitants of country houses.
Alphabet Samplers: Alphabet and numbers, sometimes name, date, verse The simplest and most common of all samplers, also known as marking or school samplers - used to teach the basic lettering and numbers required for marking household linen. Earliest/Latest Date: c.1740/1910 1792 Alphabet Sampler by Bessy Barr. Genealogical Samplers: Showing a Family Tree, or Births & Deaths Used to teach family relationships and values. Possibly to comfort a sibling in mourning for a family member.
Memorial Samplers (Mourning Samplers): Depicting figures in mourning. The deaths of Queen Charlotte, 1812, and Prince Albert, 1861, both of them much loved consorts to the monarchs of the day, prompted a flurry of tombs, urns and willows. Mourning pieces are more usually found as silk embroidered pictures. Commemorative Samplers: Commemorate an actual event.
Music and Math Samplers: Having music or arithmetic as their focus.
 1885 Silkwork Musical Sampler by R.A.W.
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Praising Samplers: Eulogising Family, King, etc. A Praising Sampler will have been referred to as a verse sampler or possibly a commemorative sampler before now but we think a new sampler type is worth an airing.  1814 Sampler by Phebe Edmonds entitled ‘The Virgins Prayer’. And here are the verses of two more in full: 1715 Silkwork ‘Praising’ Band Sampler by Mary Male Unusual Verse samplers: novel, special or in some way unusual verses: Collectors seek out interesting verse. Mostly they were copied but occasionally we like to think we have found an original composition.
‘Teacher’ Samplers Samplers by a known teacher. Pictorial Samplers Samplers including needlework picture in addition to motifs. Biblical samplers Biblical texts and stories. Lords Prayer, 23rd Psalm, Ten Commandments, Ezekiel Adam & Eve Earliest/Latest Date:1714/ Solomon’s Temple
Crucifixion Flight to Egypt This beautifully stitched sampler contains verses that may verge on mental torture of this poor child. Verses read ‘The rising sun with cheerful beams Shines o'er the silver lea The woods and vales fresh sweets display And smile on all but me The village youths with lightsome steps Trip o'er the fields in glee While on the spray the blackbird sings And all seem Gay but me. My sins have pierc'd my saviour's side Have nail'd him to the tree And yet I spurn'd His offer'd grace Although He died for me To whom shall I my troubles tell Or where for comfort flee Dear Jesus cast a pitying look And deign to smile on me'.
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Samplers were stitched throughout Europe where family exchanges were not uncommon. Further afield, the womenfolk of working ex-patriots and emigrants took their needlework with them wherever they travelled. |
Rare c. 1880 silk and beadwork Sierra Leone sampler Materials also varied to some extent from place to place, country to country.
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Seeing for ourselves so few American, Dutch and other European samplers in the UK, we leave these to those better qualified to comment than Madelena. |
REAL: Old. Stitched in the year depicted. |
MODERN: 20thC sampler in 20thC style; or 20thC sampler repro in the style of old samplers, marked irreversibly with name of stitcher and date stitched. Modern samplers are made with no intention to deceive, and they do not pretend to be old. FAKE: As above, a sampler that has been reproduced, but is being re-sold with the intention to deceive, purporting to be old. A buyer in any doubt should ask the seller “Is it real? Could it be modern or fake? How can you tell?” Vague answers could mean the seller does not know or will not say. To detect real from fake for yourself here are some tips, pointers, warning signs to look out for, for those times when you are in doubt or when you are not 100% confident in the seller.
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These are only pointers. Exceptions occur. Never judge a piece by one or two indicators alone. Compare real with fake side by side whenever possible, handle every piece you can, and you will learn to distinguish one from the other. Collectors and experienced dealers are seldom fooled. |
Wear and damage is to be expected. Samplers in very good condition are extremely rare. Many sellers do not draw attention to holes, wear, stitch loss, fading, color run, stretching, repairs and conservation in as much detail as we do, so when buying do not forget to ask “Is there any deterioration or conservation?” |
Spotting damage and worst practise conservation: If your eyesight is not great, use a lens and bright light.
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Conservation and Care Current best practise in textile conservation commences with light suction through fine gauze, or light brushing, to remove dust and dirt. No attempt is made at washing . No attempt is made to repair holes. Instead holes are backed with similar material. The sampler is then stitched to a pad. Framing would include spacers between glass and material, and a composition backboard. Never hang samplers where they can be reached by direct sunlight. A needy sampler can be improved pending future conservation by removing the backing, the sampler, and the glass. Clean the glass then replace the sampler and backing, sealing with new tape to prevent dust ingress. |
Factors that affect value are: Rarity: A rare sampler or type of sampler will add value.
A sampler commemorating an actual event is rare.
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A pair of samplers is rarer than a single.
Age: Earlier samplers command higher values than later ones. Provenance: Value added if a sampler has been in the ownership of a renowned collection or a famous family.
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Condition: Samplers in good condition command higher values than those showing damage or deterioration. Appeal: A sampler with strong appeal will command higher value. Quality of Workmanship: 40 count may command higher value than 20 count; Rarely seen stitches may be more desirable than commonly seen ones. Artistic merit: While printed patterns were used to transfer many motifs to samplers in progress, scope remained for the exercise of artistic choice in design, layout and colors. Prices reflect value plus some additional factors.
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Book References Marcus B. Huish, Samplers & Tapestry Embroideries , first published 1909 Averil Coleby, Samplers Yesterday and Today, first published 1964 Betty Ring, Girlhood embroidery. American Samplers and Pictorial Needlework 1650-1850, first published 1993. Carol Humphrey, Samplers, first published 1997 Dorothy Bromiley Phelan, The Point of the Needle, first published 2001 Carol Humphrey, Quaker School Girl Samplers from Ackworth, first published 2006 Dorothy Bromiley Phelan, Eva-Lotta Hansson, The Goodhart Samplers, first published 2008
Links Stitches: Click on http://www.artsanddesigns.com/cgi-bin/makeGlossary.pl?category=embroidery§ion=A for a good fully illustrated glossary of stitches. Guilds: Click on http://thesamplerguild.co.uk to discover an active, knowledgeable, supportive, international community of stitchers. --------------------------- We apologise for the omission of many interesting and important books, articles and links from the lists above. |
