Sampler by Marian Wood

DateMay 13th, 1818 (dated)

Artist/Maker Marian Mason Wood (1805 - 1849)

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 32 warps by 33 wefts per inch (fiber identification by eye)

Dimensions17" x 17 3/16"

Credit LineFunded in part by donations from "Jeannine's Sampler Seminar" (Lillian A. Shoemaker, Nancy B. Lawson, Deborah A. Novak, Florence G.Dunn, Bettie J. Koons).

Object number1995-86

DescriptionThis is an almost square needlework sampler worked in shades of what was originally pink, blue, green, ivory, yellow, and brown silk embroidery threads on a linen ground fabric. The sampler is hemmed at top and bottom in a 3/16" hem and has selvages at sides. The sampler consists of a geometric strawberry- and-vine border on all four sides enclosing in top half a two-story building with four columns and two chimneys flanked by unusual rows of trees. Below this is a large naturalistic container of flowers, zigzags, and the signature line, "Marian Wood May the 13 1818."

Stitches: cross, hem, and queen
Label TextMarian Wood’s sampler is one of at least six samplers created in Alexandria, Virginia, between 1818 and 1830 that are characterized by strawberry borders worked in queen stitch and a prominent, columned, two-story building with flanking rows of trees. Two of the samplers also feature cornucopias filled with flowers. The needlework instructor responsible for this group of distinguished samplers has been identified as Mary Lang Muir, widow of cabinet maker, John Muir, and mother of Mary Muir, one of the sampler makers.
Marian Wood was the daughter of Eliza Parson and William Wood, an Alexandria storekeeper on South Water Street.
ProvenanceCWF purchased this sampler from Stephen and Carol Huber at a Ken Farmer Auction in 1995.

History of Maker:

The maker of this sampler was likely Marian Mason Wood (d. 1849), the daughter of Eliza Parsons and William Wood. Marian married Thomas M. White (1807-1879) and had several children. She died on August 12, 1849 and is buried in Alexandria, Virginia.