Sampler by Polly Ray

Date1817

Artist/Maker Polly Ray

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 43 x 43 threads per inch with linen hemming thread (fiber identification by textile lab)

DimensionsOW: 7 1/8" x OH: 8 7/8"

Credit LineBequest of Grace Hartshorn Westerfield

Object number1974-687

DescriptionThis is a small rectangular alphabet sampler worked in silk embroidery threads on a linen ground. The sampler is bordered by two zig zag lines, one of brown thread and one of black. The sampler consists almost entirely of alphabets of different sizes and fonts. The first line consists of upper case letters "A" through "P," followed by another line that consists of letters "Q" through "Z," along with an ampersand. It is followed by letters "A," "B," and "C." The next line consists of letters "A" through "L" in upper case cursive. The next continues this alphabet, with letters "M" through "V" in brown thread. The next line features a large, cross-stitched alphabet of letters "A" through "F." The next three lines continue this alphabet, reading, "G" through "L," "M" through "Q," and "R" through "X." The next line features a minute, lower case alphabet of letters "a" through "w." The next band consists of letters "x," "y," and "z," as well as an ampersand and numerals "1" through "13." The last line is a signature line, reading, "Polly . Ray . Aged 14 AD 1817." It is hemmed on all four sides.

Stitches: cross, eyelet, hem
Label TextPolly Ray, who completed her sampler in 1817, used her work to practice stitching letters. A sampler of this kind is called a marking sampler. Samplers of this sort allowed makers to practice for "marking" household linens, embroidering linens with initials for easy identification.
InscribedPaper on back of sampler frame had the following label:
LINDSAY PHOTO SERVICE
ARTISTIC PICTURE FRAMING
PHOTO FINISHING
DAMARISCOTTA, MAINE
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceFrom the estate of Grace Hartshorn Westerfield; no further provenance is known.