Sampler by Honour Thorne

DateSeptember 8th, 1775

Artist/Maker Honour Thorne

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a worsted ground (identification of fibers by Textile Lab)

DimensionsOH 11 5/8" x OW 12"

Credit LineGift of an Anonymous Donor

Object number1971-1757

DescriptionThis is an almost square needlework sampler worked in shades of green, pink, yellow, beige, and brown silk embroidery threads on a worsted ground. The sampler consists of a flowering trellis-like border on all four sides. Naturalistic flowers grow along the left and right side of the border while the bottom and all four corners are adorned with geometric sprigs. In the center of the top border and in the center of the bottom border are baskets of flowers. Within the enclosed border is the verse: "First to my God I Grateful homage pay/ for his Great Mercy unto me each day/ Next to my Generou[s] Friends a humble tribute s due/ Who to me sets Almighty Grace to vieu [sic]/ With care sets forth the Great Creators praise/ Ware by my soul to [H]eavenly joy s are Rais d/ O may my Tongue the Almighty s works Record/ And l[o]ve the truth found in his Sacred word." Below this is the signature line: "Honour Thorne September 8th/ 1776." The sampler has raw edges on all four sides.
Label TextThe fact that this sampler was worked on a worsted ground indicates that it was most likely stitched in Great Britain. Honour Thorne has not been identified at this time.
Inscribed"First to my God I Grateful homage pay/ for his Great Mercy unto me each day/ Next to my Generou[s] Friends a humble tribute s due/ Who to me sets Almighty Grace to vieu [sic]/ With care sets forth the Great Creators praise/ Ware by my soul to [H]eavenly joy s are Rais d/ O may my Tongue the Almighty s works Record/ And l[o]ve the truth found in his Sacred word."
MarkingsMark made in red-orange crayon reads: "Mrs Magee estate/ 1951"
Navy blue paper label reads: "Madison/ BOOKS, STATIONARY, ART GOODS./ MONTCLAIR, N.J."
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Tomlinson. Marked in red-orange crayon (on back of frame?) is: "Mrs Magee estate/ 1951."