Sampler by Amelia Harriet Dawes

Date1844

Maker Amelia Harriet Dawes

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen or cotton ground of 25 x 25 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye) Wooden frame and glass

DimensionsFramed: OW 10 7/8” x OH 10 7/8” Actual (by sight): OW 9 3/4” x 9 3/4”

Credit LineGift of Beatrix T. Rumford

Object number2020-83

DescriptionThis is a framed, square needlework sampler worked in shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and white silk embroidery threads on a natural-colored ground. From the top the sampler consists of:
“A-O” uppercase block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“P-T” uppercase block worked in cross stitch, a pair of birds, “U-X” uppercase block worked in cross stitch
“Y” uppercase block worked in cross stitch, “1-6” worked in cross stitch, a tree, “7-11” worked in cross stitch, “Z” uppercase block worked in cross stitch
“a-k” lowercase block worked in cross stitch, a pair of dogs, “l-v” lowercase block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“wx” lowercase block worked in cross stitch, “Amelia Harriet Dawes” worked in cross stitch, “yz” lowercase block worked in cross stitch
“Aged 6 Years” worked in cross stitch; the number “6” is flanked by two birds
The bottom third of the sampler consists of three baskets: the first contains a stem with seven buds and six birds, the second contains six flowers, the third contains a stem with three buds and three birds. The outer two baskets are flanked by two diamond motifs while the center basket is flanked by two crowns. The year “1844” is stitched at intervals between the baskets.
The entire sampler is enclosed within a blue cross stitch border, which is in turn enclosed by a hemstitch border.
Stitches: cross over one and two, hem
The sampler is in a modern, black and gold frame.

Label TextAmelia Harriet Dawes likely completed this sampler as a schoolroom exercise. In addition to learning sewing stitches, young girls also practiced their literacy skills while working a sampler.
MarkingsAn inscription on the back of the frame reads: “Given to Rose Clymer Rumford/ by Julia Waters Littleton/ 1940/ For Beatrix Rumford/ from/ RCR”.
ProvenanceThe first recorded owner of this sampler is Julia Waters Littleton (1874-1961). Julia gave the sampler to Rose Clymer Rumford (1912-1998) in 1940. Rose then gave the sampler to Beatrix T. Rumford (b. 1939), who donated it to Colonial Williamsburg in 2020.
At this time the sampler maker has not been identified.