Sampler by Frances Graves

Date1813

Maker Frances Graves (1804-1890)

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Orange County (possibly)

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 35 warps by 32 wefts per inch (fiber identification by eye)

Dimensions6 1/4" H X 11 3/8" W

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-84

DescriptionThis unfinished, rectangular sampler is worked with brown, blue, and green silk embroidery threads on a brown linen ground. The design includes one complete lowercase alphabet, one complete uppercase alphabet, one unfinished uppercase alphabet, numbers one through ten, and initials "F. G." in bottom right corner and "WM" at left bottom. The sampler is finished with selvage at left side, and 3/8" hem at top, bottom, and right.
Stitches: cross, double cross, eyelet, straight
Markings"WM" "FG"
Provenance1813, made by Miss Frances Graves [later Brockman, 1804-1890] (Orange County, VA); ? - 1915, acquired by maker's granddaughter, Elizabeth Graves Brockman [1853-1925] (Louisa County, VA); 1915 - 2023, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023 - present, transferred to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)