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Sampler 2015-351
Sampler by Mary Mulford
Sampler 2015-351

Sampler by Mary Mulford

Date1817
Maker Mary Mulford
OriginAmerica, Mid-Atlantic (possibly)
MediumSilk on a linen ground of 36 wefts x 25 warps per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOH: 17 ½” x 15 ½”
Credit LineGift of Abby Howard Murphy
Object number2015-351
DescriptionThis is a rectangular needlework sampler worked in faded shades of blue, black, brown, pink, rust, cream, and green silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler has selvedges at top and bottom and a 1/8” hem at sides. The center section of the sampler consists of an upper case block alphabet; the signature line “Mary Mulford’s work 1817;” an upper case script alphabet; a lower case block alphabet; and the verse, “Be sovereign grace the guardian of thy youth/ May heavens born virtues in thy breath preside/ May wisdom, honor, innocence and truth/ Attend thy steps and all thy actions guide,” all enclosed in a black vine-like border. Horizontal grape vines flank the verse. A pair of facing birds is centered at top of sampler. Floral motifs are at top and bottom. A basket of fruit and flowers is centered at bottom of sampler. A small dog is worked in the bottom right corner.

Stitches: cross over one and two, outline, queen, and satin
Label TextMary Mulford completed her sampler in 1817, likely somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic. While it is unclear what religion Mary practiced, it is evident that her embroidery was influenced by Quaker needlework. Her alphabets, verse, and signature resemble those in samplers stitched at Westtown School and other Quaker institutions.
Inscribed"Mary Mulford's work 1817"
“Be sovereign grace the guardian of thy youth/ May heavens born virtues in thy breath preside/ May wisdom, honor, innocence and truth/ Attend thy steps and all thy actions guide”
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceLocated in a Nashville, Tennessee home, per donor.