Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Sampler 1998-162
Sampler by Ann Holewll [sic]
Sampler 1998-162

Sampler by Ann Holewll [sic]

DateNovember 14, 1699 (dated)
Maker Ann Holewll
OriginEngland
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 60 x 51 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye).
DimensionsOW: 6" x OH: 14 7/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, generous supporters of the Textile Collection
Object number1998-162
DescriptionThis is a band sampler consisting of polychrome silk threads on a linen ground. The top of the sampler features three bands of flowers. The band below the third band, which is the widest, features a band of alternating acorns and strawberries. Below this is an inscription which reads, "ANN HOLeWLL LOOK WeLL TO/WHAT YOU TAKe IN HAND FOR/LARNING IS BeTTeR THeN HOUSE/OR LAND WHeN LAND IS GONe/AND MONeY IS SPeNT THeN/LARNING IS MOST EXCeLeNT/NOVeMBeR THE 14 1699." The date is stitched in much smaller text, with a heart and crown next to it. The band below features a band of zig-zags crossed by S-shapes. The lower part of the sampler has flowers and initials. At the bottom, in the middle, is a cartouche with the initials "AH" for "Ann Holewll." Above this is a heart. On either side of this is a flower in a vase. On the left side of the left-hand flower is a yellow bird, and on the right side of the right-hand flower is a purple bird. Below the left-hand flower are the initials "IH," for Judith Hayle. Both sets of initials have a single heart in between their two letters. Beneath "IH" are a miniscule lion and stag. Below the right-hand flower is a striped stag. All four edges have been turned under twice and hemmed.

Stitches: bullion, cross, double running, eyelet, marking cross, open chain filling, satin
Label TextThis sampler was worked by Ann Holewll (or Holwell) in 1699. It is one of a group of fifteen known samplers in various public and private collections that were worked by pupils of a teacher named Judith (or Juda) Hayle and her daughter, Rebecca Thomson, in the town of Ipswich in East Anglia, England. The sampler group ranges in date between 1691 and 1710, and all share a number of similar motifs and patterns, as well as a moral verse. Many of the samplers include inscriptions that read, "[maker's name] is my name and with my needle I wrought the same and Iuda Hayle was my dame" and "larnin [learning] is most excellent." Each includes the maker's initials, as well as Judith Hayle's initials.
Inscribed"ANN HOLeWLL LOOK WeLL TO/ WHAT YOU TAKe In HAND FOR/ LARNING IS BeTTeR THeN HOUSe/ OR LAND WHen LAND IS GONe AND MONeY IS SPeNT THeN/ LARNING IS MOST EXCeLeNT/ NOVeMBeR THE 14 1699"
"I H"
"A H"
Markings"I H" "A H"
ProvenancePer Titi Halle, the sampler was purchased at a Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair.

Sampler Maker:
Ann Holwell, born to Katherine and Thomas Holwell, a maltster, was baptized on August 3rd, 1684 in St. Nicholas's church in Ipswich. Ann had three sisters. She completed her sampler under the tutelage of Judith Hayle when she was 15 years old. When her father died in 1701, Ann was made the sole executrix of his will. She married James Chamberlain, a bachelor from Washbrook, in 1711. She outlived her husband, who died in 1751. It is believed the pair did not have children and it is not known when she died.