Sampler by Catharine H. Lawrence

Date1825

Artist/Maker Catherine H. Lawrence (b. 1815)

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 36 x 46 threads per inch (identification of fibers by eye)

DimensionsOH: 9 1/4" x OW: 10 3/4"

Credit LineGift of an Anonymous Donor

Object number1963.608.2

DescriptionThis is a small almost square unfinished needlework sampler worked in silk threads on a natural-color linen ground. From the top sampler consists of:
"A-M" uppercase script
Band
"N-W" uppercase script and diamond motif
Band
"X-Z" uppercase script, crown motif, decorative area of sawtooth in satin stitch
Band
"A-T" uppercase block
Band
"U-Z" upper case block, "a-u" lowercase block
Band
"v-z" lowercase block, "1-10" and diamond motif
Band
"Wrought by Catharine H. Lawrence"
Band
"Aged 10 years 1825 Born 1815"
Band
Partial band
The bottom fourth of sampler is unfinished.
The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in a series of outer and inner borders of cross stitch and satin stitch in a sawtooth pattern.

Stitches: cross and satin

Label TextIn the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, young girls created simple samplers like this one as a way to learn needlework techniques, as well as the alphabet and cardinal numbers. More ambitious examples included pious verses or pictorial motifs.
ProvenanceThis sampler was originally in a straw work box/basket with a second unfinished and unsigned sampler. In 1937, these items along with several other objects were offered to Colonial Williamsburg by an anonymous friend of Miss Mabel Massey of Williamsburg, Virginia. In 1963, the two samplers and work basket were transferred to AARFAC from the CW Department of Collections via receipt no. 2708. The former Collection's Accession Number was G1937-508, 1-3.