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2023-91, Sampler
Sampler by Hannah Way
2023-91, Sampler

Sampler by Hannah Way

Date1749
Maker Hannah Way
OriginAmerica, Virginia (possibly)
MediumSilks embroidery threads on a linen ground of 39 by 36 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)
Dimensions7 1/4" X 4 1/4"
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-91
DescriptionThis is a small sampler worked with light blue, pink, dark blue, light green, beige, red, and black silk embroidery threads on a brown linen ground. The top third consists of an uppercase alphabet, the date "1749", and numerals 1-9 separated by simple bands. The center of the sampler contains a band of stylized trees and a band containing a queen-stitched pink and red heart flanked by stylized floral sprays. The bottom third of the sampler contains the religious verse: "REJOICE MY HEART AND RAISE THY MIRTH REJOICE AT THY DEAR SAVIOURS BIRTH," with S's backwards on the word Saviour. At the bottom the sampler is signed "HANNAH WA[Y]".The sampler is finished with 3/8-inch hems on all four sides.
Stitches: cross over 1 and 2, double running (?), eyelet, herringbone, queen
Inscribed"REJOICE MY HEART AND RAISE THY MIRTH REJOICE AT THY DEAR SAVIOURS BIRTH"
Provenance?-1947, Mary Wingfield Scott [1895-1963] (Richmond, VA); 1947-2023, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present, transferred to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)