Georgian Map Sampler - Ann Thornycroft 1780

A fine Georgian needlework Sampler by Ann Thornycroft probably of Thornycroft Hall near Macclesfield dated May 30th 1780, depicting a map of England and Wales with partial coverage of Scotland and France. Also featuring are the Isle of Man, Scilly, Alderney, ‘Gernsey’ to name but a few.

The Scottish borders are present as is Normandy and the northern French Coast and the map is contained within a scale border which marks out what lies to the North, South, East and West.

The map ‘wrought in colours’ by Ann has beautiful detail, naming all the counties, and in particular the major towns and areas of importance - of real interest are the archaic spellings and alternate names - for example The ‘German Ocean’ which was the name of the North Sea pre World War 1, the ‘Irish Channel’ instead of 'Sea', ’Glocester’ / Gloucester and so forth. Hours can be lost studying the map and discovering all its quirks and charms.

It’s also fascinating for a modern eye to see how the balance of geography has shifted over time, by which places Ann has considered notable and worthy of mention with many smaller towns appearing over larger cities before they flourished and this is why the map gives a very tantalising impression of Britain in 1780 and of life to Ann as she knew it with some areas illustrated probably holding a personal significance or knowledge.

Also interesting is that London is just another name, with no special detailing or significance for the Capital - in fact I really had to search for it before I found it in slightly smaller lettering next to Tilbury!

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When I first acquired the sampler, I did some research into who Ann Thornycroft might be, and I believe her to be of the Thornycroft family, resident at Thornycroft Hall (now known as Siddington Manor) in Macclesfield, a notable English family of sculptors and artists - and judging by the skill of the needlework in this sampler I feel that she shares her families artistic flair!

The map is completed in a variety of stitches on a plain woven linen cloth, with the place names stitched in black and the counties depicted in various colours. It is in good condition for its age with many of the colours still bright and vivid, there is some fading which is to be expected on a textile of its age ( it’s 243 years old! ), and a few very tiny holes. Please look at the photographs and don’t hesitate to contact me if I can provide any further information.

The sampler measures 58cm by 54cm framed, and 54cm by 48cm for the actual sampler.

I offer free postage to mainland UK, and am very happy to arrange quotes for shipping broad.