Sampler by Mary Wilson

Date1772 (dated)

Artist/Maker Mary Wilson

OriginAmerica, Maryland, Baltimore (possibly)

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a plain weave linen ground (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOW 10" x OH 12 3/8"

Credit LinePurchased with donations from M/M Robinson and Jeannine's Sampler Seminar: Bettie J. Koons, Virginia Beach, Virginia Darlene G. O'Steen, Apex, North Carolina Florence G. Dunn, Alexandria, Virginia.

Object number1994-116

DescriptionThis is a small rectangular needlework sampler worked in shades of green, ivory, purple, yellow, blue, and cinnamon silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground fabric. The sampler has selvage at left side and a 1/8' hem on other three sides. From the top the sampler consists of:
"A-I", "K-P" upper case block in cross stitch
Decorative band in cross stitch
"Q-T", "V-Z", upper case block and "1-7"in cross stitch
Decorative band in eyelet stitch
"A-I" upper case block in eyelet stitch
Sawtooth band in satin stitch
"K-R" upper case block in eyelet stitch
Sawtooth band in satin stitch
"S-T" and "V-Z" upper case block in eyelet stitch and two diamond motifs in cross stitch
Stylized bud and vine band in cross stitch
"Mary Wilson her Worke in" in cross and eyelet stitch
Band in four-sided stitch (cross on back)
"The Twel(?)th Year of her Age" in cross stitch
Below this is a stylized vine band with the date "1772" in the center. Below this are two bands in queen's stitch and a decorative band in cross stitch with a crown in the center.
The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in a stylized flower and vine border.

Stitches: cross, eyelet, foursided, hem, queen and satin
Label TextThis sampler is stylistically related to two others worked in Chester County, Pennsylvania; the first was worked by Phebe Peirce around 1770 while the second was worked by Rebecca Townsend around 1777.
ProvenanceAccording to Mr. and Mrs. Huber, this sampler has a history of ownership by a Baltimore family.

History of Maker:
Mary may have been one of ten children of Susanna(h) Gittings (b. 1728) and John Wilson (1726-1807), who married in Baltimore in 1747. Mary may also be the Mary Wilson who was born in Maryland about 1760 and married Edward Suit of Charles County in 1779.