What is a needlework sampler?

A needlework sampler is a piece of textile art created to practice or demonstrate stitching proficiency. Makers included alphabets, numbers, and motifs to show their skill. These pieces were typically framed and hung in homes as decorative items and records of a young maker's education.

How old are these embroidered pieces?

The items range from the seventeenth century through the Victorian era and into the twentieth century. Many carry explicit dates and the ages of their makers. Georgian and Victorian school room pieces form the majority of the examples available here.

Were these made by children?

Many samplers were worked by girls aged ten to fourteen in schools and academies. Their names, ages, and schools often appear stitched directly into the linen. Adult makers also produced embroidery art, particularly in regional and continental workshops.

How should I hang framed textiles?

Framed linen embroidery art needs protection from direct sunlight to prevent the silk threads and linen grounds from fading. Glass fronts keep dust and atmospheric moisture away from the fragile stitches. Keep them away from damp walls and fluctuating temperatures to preserve the historic materials.