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2023-97, Sampler
Sampler by Mary W. McBride
2023-97, Sampler

Sampler by Mary W. McBride

Date1840
Maker Mary W. McBride (1818 - 1850)
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Rockbridge County (possibly)
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a ground of linen with 28 warps by 32 wefts per inch (fiber identification by eye)
Dimensions10 1/4" H by 17 3/4" W
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-97
DescriptionThis is a rectangular sampler worked in shades of red, green, blue, black, cream, brown, and pink silk embroidery threads on a natural-color linen ground. The top third of the sampler contains an uppercase block alphabet A-X, the numerals 1-18, a verse, initials "AMCB" and "MC", and the numerals 1-3, all in rows divided by decorative bands. The verse reads: "How much alike each season suits/ The spring hath fragrat [sic] flowers. The summer, shades, the aumn, [sic] fruit, The winter, social hours."
The middle third of the sampler contains the initials "E. M. B", "A M B", "J Mc B", and "J M B"; and a large, centered basket of realistically-worked flowers, flanked on each side by a bird on a branch, basket of stylized fruit, and a house with a tree.
The bottom third of the sampler consists of a block uppercase alphabet "A-K"; a script uppercase alphabet "A-I K-M"; a lowercase block alphabet "a-z" "&"; initials "ARC"; and the signature line: "Mary W. McBride March 22 1840." The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in an undulating stylized strawberry and vine border.
The sampler is finished with selvages at the sides and 1/4-inch hems at top and bottom.
Stitches: cross worked over 1 and 2, double cross, four-sided, eyelet, queen
Inscribed"How much alike each season suits/ The spring hath fragrat [sic] flowers. The summer, shades, the aumn, [sic] fruit, The winter, social hours."
Markings"AMCB"; "MC"; "E. M. B"; "A M B"; "J Mc B"; "J M B"; "ARC"
ProvenanceFormerly in the Valentine Museum collection, V.86.176, donated by John P. Ackerly III and [?]
According to Valentine Museum accession files, the sampler was given to the donors by their unnamed aunt who purchased it in Rockbridge County about 50 years prior to the donation in 1986. The probable maker is Mary W. McBride (later McChesney, 1818-1850), who was born in Virginia. In 1848, she married William Johnston Bell McChesney (1823-1856) of Augusta County, Virginia. The marriage occurred in Rockbridge. The couple's residence is listed in Augusta after their marriage.