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2008-135, Sampler
Sampler, Darning, by Ann Walker at Westtown School
2008-135, Sampler

Sampler, Darning, by Ann Walker at Westtown School

Date1812
Maker Ann Walker (b. August 17, 1792)
OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Chester County
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 27 x 30 threads per inch (Identification of fibers by eye)
DimensionsOW: 8 5/8"; OH: 9 5/8
Credit LineGift of Beatrix T. Rumford
Object number2008-135
DescriptionThis is an almost square darning sampler worked in white silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The top third of the sampler consists of three blocks of darning in diamond and zigzag patterns. The center section consists of a block of darning in a chain stitch that simulates knitting. This block is flanked by the signature: "Ann Walker./ Weston School." Below the darning block is the date "1812." The bottom third of the sampler consists of three blocks of darning in diamond and zigzag patterns.
The sampler has a 1/4" hem on four sides and is laced unto cardboard.

Stitches: chain, pattern darning
Label TextAnn Walker's sampler is a rare American darning sampler worked at the most respected Quaker boarding school of the nineteenth century, Westtown School in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The coed school has been in continuous operation since 1799. Girls spent one third of their time in sewing. Most samplers were plain or practical marking and darning lessons.
Inscribed"Ann Walker./ Weston School./ 1812."
Markings"Ann Walker."
In ink on paper on back of sampler: "For Mumiz with much lovz/ from Trixiz/ Christmas 1972."
Typewritten label on paper on back of sampler reads: "Purchased from/ H. Le Roy Kister/ East State Street/ Doylestown, Pennsylvania/ family friend and/ great grandson of/ Ann Walker, member of/ the Society of Friends/ who attended Westtown/ School in 1812 and/ made this sampler."
ProvenanceThe sampler was purchased in 1972 by Beatrix T. Rumford as a gift for her mother, Rose Rumford. A typewritten label on paper on the back of the sampler reads: "Purchased from/ H. Le Roy Kister/ East State Street/ Doylestown, Pennsylvania/ family friend and/ great grandson of/ Ann Walker, member of/ the Society of Friends/ who attended Westtown/ School in 1812 and/ made this sampler."

History of samplermaker:
Ann Walker (b. 8/17/1792) was the oldest child of Robert Walker (8/5/1731-10/22/1806) and Asenath Beans Walker (b. 3/9/1764) of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. (RootsWeb: "Gale M. Roberts Family Tree")
She was female student #1058, admitted to Westtown August 14th, 1811, at age 18. No home location is listed for her in the Westtown archives. Ann left school July 31st, 1812. In the "Parent or Guardian" column of the school records is the note: "Robert Walker, dec'd, Account in name of Asinath Walker (mother)." (Information provided by Amy Finkel, email message dated 12/1/09)