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2023-85, Sampler
Sampler by Ann N[ewton] Collins
2023-85, Sampler

Sampler by Ann N[ewton] Collins

Date1801
Maker Ann N[ewton] Collins (1786-1835)
OriginAmerica, West Virginia, Jefferson County
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 28 X 22 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOH: 18 1/8" x OW: 17 1/4"
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-85
DescriptionThis is an almost square sampler worked in green, red/pink, blue, yellow, and brown silk embroidery threads on a brown linen ground. Within an inner compartment bordered with sawtooth is the verse: "From my beginning May the/ Almighty Powers Blessing/ Bestow in never Ceasing showers". Below this is a large band of undulating geometric pink flowers. Below this is the verse: "this Work in hand My friends May have/ When i am dead and laid in grave When/ greedy Worms My body eat in this you may/ read May name Complete ann n Collins". Below this is a band of large flowers and below the band is the inscription "this Sampler was Work'd in the year. 1801." The sampler has an inner border of undulating large pink carnations with rosebuds in the corners. There is an outer border of satin sawtooth. The sampler is finished with a green hemstitched 3/8" border on all four sides.
Stitches: cross over one and two, hem, herringbone, satin
Provenance1801, made by Ann Newton Collins [later Hammond, 1786-1835] (born in Somerset England; married in Jefferson County, VA, now West Virginia); ?, Mrs. Algernon S. Sullivan [formerly Mary Mildred Hammond, 1836-1933] (Jefferson County, VA); 1923-2023, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present, transferred to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)