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1836 Silkwork Sampler by Ann Sparkes

William IV, dated December 18 1836. 17ins by 17.25ins wide. 1836 Silkwork Sampler by Ann Sparkes. Framed in an old wood frame with gilt slip and glass.

Mounted to conservator standards on acid free card with chipboard backing.

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

Meandering floral border.

Colours light green, cream, blue, green, gold, magenta, black, olive green and light brown.

Alphabets A-Z in upper case.

Verses read

'Learn to comtemn all praise betimes,

For flatt'ry is the nurse of crimes.

With early virtue plant thy breast,

The specious arts of vice detest.

Virtue's the chiefest beauty of the mind,

The noblest ornament of human kind:

Virtue's our safeguard and our guiding star,

That stirs up reason when our senses jar.

Lord hear an Infant's humble prayer

And grant me grace thy name to fear

Arise O Lord salvation give

That I may see thy grace and live'.

Signed and dated

'Ann Sparkes Sheldon December 18 1836'.

A wonderful set of motifs, some finely embroidered, including a house by a river with a watermill,

birds,

flowers,

fir trees,

two horses either side of a fruit tree,

crowns and potted flowering plants.

CONDITION: Generally Good.

A number of holes around the edge.

Staining in the top right corner, across the top left side, and a few pale specks.

No stitch losses other than to the holed areas.

Colours are mostly good and strong with no noticeable fading. The silks bright and glossy.

No colour run.

Neatly and evenly stretched.

Frame in very good condition, ready to hang.

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