Sampler by Phebe Nichols

Date1824

Maker Phebe Nichols (1806-1878)

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 31 efts by 29 warps (fiber identification by microscope)

DimensionsOH: 21 7/8" x OW: 20 3/4"

Credit LineAsplundh Textile Endowment, The Loudoun Sampler Guild and Museum Purchase

Object number2023-78

DescriptionThis is an almost square needlework sampler worked in faded shades of black, green, brown, blue, yellow, cream, and orange-red silk embroidery threads on a linen ground. The sampler has selvages at top and bottom and an 1/8” hem at sides. The top half of the sampler consists of a centered two-story brick house with two chimneys, front door, and five windows. The house sits on a green stepped terrace lawn and is flanked by a blue gated fence and a green pine tree on each side. Perched atop each chimney is a large black bird. The inscription above the house reads: “Samuel Nichols departed this life 27th of the 5 mo 1824 1824/ Mary Nichols Phebe Nichols 2n of 12th mo.” The bottom half of the sampler consists of a centered large basket containing a rose spray, checkered or spotted tulips (Fritillaria Meleagris), and a tiny bird sitting on the basket rim. The basket has a geometric pattern. To the left of the basket is a floating eight-pointed star. At the bottom of the sampler on either side of the basket is a bird. The sampler is enclosed at top and sides in a three-sided arcaded vine border with carnation flowers.
Stitches: chain, cross over one and two, double cross, 3/4 cross, herringbone, outline or stem, and straight
Label TextPhebe Nichols' large architectural sampler relates to the building samplers created in Frederick, Maryland, in the second and third decades of the nineteenth century. Of special interest on this sampler are the correctly shaded checkered tulips, Frutillaris Meleagris, seen in the bottom portion of the sampler.
The sampler memorializes Phebe's father, Samuel Nichols, who "departed this life 27th of the 5 mo 1824." Phebe also recorded her mother, Mary, on her embroidery. Phebe came from a long line of prominent Quakers living in Loudoun County, Virginia. The Nichols were founding members of Goose Creek monthly Meeting. Because Quakers objected to using those names of days (Sunday to Saturday) and months (January to August) that derived from pagan gods, they substituted numbers. Notice the use of "5 mo" for the month of May on this sampler.
Inscribed“Samuel Nichols departed this life 27th of the 5 mo 1824 1824/ Mary Nichols Phebe Nichols 2n of 12th mo.”
ProvenanceDates unknown, label on back of sampler read: "From the Shops of/ John G Matthews/ Antiques Decorations/ Eight East Franklin Street/ Baltimore Maryland;" mid to late 20th century, purchased by Polly Shannahan (Easton, Talbot County, MD); around 2014, purchased by donor, Barbara Hutson; 2023-present, given by Barbara Hutson to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

History of Sampler Maker:
Phebe Nichols was born August 2, 1806 at Goose Creek, Loudoun County, Virginia, to Samuel (1784-1824) and Mary Janney Nichols. She was the oldest daughter of eight children. She was a descended of prominent Quaker ministers. On November 19, 1835, Phebe married Thomas Brown (1805-1872), a merchant of the Hopewell Friends Meeting in Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia. They had three children: Samuel N. ((1836-1922); William (1839-1922); and Mary Hannah (1842-1910). Phebe Nichols Brown died on July 6, 1878. She and her family are interred at Goose Creek Friends Burial Grounds.