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D2005-CMD-192
Sampler by Amelia Disting Smith
D2005-CMD-192

Sampler by Amelia Disting Smith

DateFebruary 1, 1836 (dated)
Maker Amelia Disting Smith
OriginEngland, Devonshire, Plymouth (probably)
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a worsted ground of 41 x 42 threads per inch. (Identification of fibers by eye)
DimensionsOW: 13 3/8" x OL: 17 1/4"
Credit LineGift of Ellin and Baron Gordon
Object number2003-166
DescriptionThis is a rectangular needlework sampler worked in shades of blue, green, ivory, gold, and brown silk threads on an overall discolored worsted ground. The sampler is hemmed at top with a 3/16" hem.

The top portion of the sampler consists of a center two-story house with two chimneys, five windows, and owl perched atop the roof. A fence and two trees flank the house. Below this is the signature line, "Amelia Disting Smith Finished This Work February. 1. 1836." The center section of the sampler consists of a verse, which reads, "Dear Amelia in Sickness in Health/ Religion is needful for you/ In Poverty or in great Wealth/ Its Friendship youll [sic] ever find true/ Tis needful While you are yet Young/ To Cleave to your Heavnly [sic] Friend/ Religion Will Guide you safe Home/ To Joys that have Never an end." Surrounding the verse are scattered motifs including potted plants and flowers, birds, a crown, and an angel.

The bottom section of the sampler is a symmetrical arrangement of one large potted flower flanked by flowering trees, eight-pointed stars, diamonds, birds, dogs, and large containers/baskets of fruit. The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in a simple undulating border.

Stitches: cross over one, cross over two, half cross over 3 threads, stem, straight

Label TextAmelia Disting Smith completed her sampler on February 1st, 1836, proudly including the date in her stitching. She addresses the inscription to herself, beginning the text with, "Dear Amelia in Sickness in Health/ Religion is needful for you." Amelia used her sampler not only as a stitching exercise, but also as a reminder of her need to be pious.
Inscribed"Amelia Disting Smith Finished This Work February. 1. 1836"
"Dear Amelia in Sickness in Health/ Religion is needful for you/ In Poverty or in great Wealth/ Its Friendship youll [sic] ever find true/ Tis needful While you are yet Young/ To Cleave to your Heavnly [sic] Friend/ Religion Will Guide you safe Home/ To Joys that have Never an end."
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceNo provenance is known other than donor.

Sampler maker:
Amelia Disting Smith was likely born in approximately 1822 in Plymouth, England. Disting, a common name in Plymouth, was likely the maiden name of Amelia's mother. This would make her 13 or 14 years old when she stitched her sampler. She died in 1893.