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2021.608.1, Sampler
Sampler by Blanche Walker Duke (1865-1934)
2021.608.1, Sampler

Sampler by Blanche Walker Duke (1865-1934)

Date1876
Maker Blanche Walker Duke (1865-1924)
OriginAmerica, Utah, Salt Lake City (attributed)
MediumWool and silk embroidery threads on a cotton ground of 12 x 12 paired threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOverall: 16 × 17in. (40.6 × 43.2cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2021.608.1
DescriptionThis is an almost square needlework sampler predominantly worked in yellow, green, red, blue, and brown wool embroidery threads on a cotton ground. Yellow silk threads embellish the two large yellow doves. The top portion of the sampler consists of alphabets, numerals, and decorative bands. The lower half of the sampler contains a small floral motif in each corner. In the bottom center are two yellow doves sitting on green branches. To the left is the inscription: "I am the / of Sharon." Between the two lines of words is a red rose sprig. To the right of the doves is: "No" / motif of brown cross / "No" / motif of yellow crown on plinth. Centered below the pair of doves is the signature line: "Blanch. W. Duke. / Age 11 Years. / 1876." The sampler is hemmed at top and sides and has a selvage edge at bottom. The cotton ground consists of paired threads with every fifth thread in blue, which would have assisted the needleworker with her counted stitches.
Label TextIn addition to the stitched date of 1876, there are several other indicators of the late date of this sampler worked by Blanche Walker Duke of Salt Lake City, Utah. The sampler is worked on a cotton ground of paired threads with every fifth thread in blue. This would have assisted the needleworker with her counted stitches. Another indicator of the sampler's late date is the use of colorful wool embroidery threads, a characteristic of Berlin wool work, which was popular in the mid-nineteenth century.
Blanche's father, John James Duke, was an immigrant from Somerset, England, who joined the Latter Day Saints in 1857 and arrived in Salt Lake City in 1860.
Inscribed"I am the / of Sharon"
"No / No"
ProvenanceOther than vendor, there is no known provenance.

History of sampler maker:
The daughter of John James Duke and Hannah Walker Duke, Blanche Walker Duke was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 1, 1865. Her father was born in Somerset, England, and after converting to the Latter Day Saints in 1857 left for America in 1860. Blanche married Joseph Hyrum Hurd (1864-1929) and together they had at least four children: Joseph Duke Hurd (1891-1967); Myrtle Blanche Hurd Brown (1892-1972); Clarence Duke Hurd (1897-1928); and Ernest Duke Hurd (1899-1940). It is not known if they were members of the LDS.