Posts by topher

Executed in gros and petit point stitches with fine wool and silk threads, this needlework vignette illustrates one of Aesop’s fables. It has been conservation mounted in a new frame. It is in excellent condition. The panel itself measures 9-1/2″ square, with the frame it is 13-1/2″ square.

Elizabeth McLean 1853 Possibly Scottish sampler executed in wool and silk on homespun tammy (wool) cloth, consisting of a strawberry border surrounding an inner reserve with nine rows of alphabets and numerals, as well as groups of initials such as “MMcL” and “EMcL” presumably members of the McLean family. The primary colors used are red…

A late Stuart petit point picture (circa 1650-1690) depicting the story of Samson and Delilah. Here Delilah has removed Samson’s hair which was supposedly the source of his great strength.  Curiously this rather violent scene is surrounded by a contented cow being milked by a milkmaid, a bull,  three sheep, and a shepherd playing his…

CHRISTIAN FISHER A Scottish sampler, circa 1800 This is a spectacular Scottish sampler with a four-sided floral border surrounding a vast reserve that encompasses two houses and an amazing array of human, animal, and botanical motifs.  Across the top is an arcaded band of stylized flowers, each one of the eight executed differently.  Below this…

CONTINENTAL SAMPLER, unsigned, circa 1850 Two rows of alphabets and one row of numerals are executed in cross stitch with wool on coarse linen in this primitive sampler. The symbolic depictions of a windmill, ladder, basket, celestial forms and a church suggest a continental origin. A woman in a blue dress stands in the lower…

SARAH FINCHETT, circa 1810 The sampler is probably American, made in Liverpool (possibly New York) by the daughter of John and Ellen Finchett. On homespun linen, stitched with silk threads, a four sided floral border encloses a verse and a scene with a large brick house flanked by flowers, trees, a black dog,and a black…

ENGLISH BAND SAMPLER circa 1680-90 The sampler consists of nine finely stitched pattern bands stitched with silk on linen, in a palette of three alternating colors, with an alphabet at the bottom. Stitches used are mostly double running stitch, with some cross, montenegrin cross and seeding. The sampler is in excellent condition with some fading…

Aged 11 years, circa 1830 What first attracted me to this sampler were the “broom ladies” who appear on another one of my reproduction samplers made by Sarah Willson in 1837. At first glance, it appears as if they might be playing bagpipes, but they are indeed holding brooms and offering them for sale. It’s…

English sampler made in Bradford, Yorkshire (West Riding),showing distinct influence of Scottish design in the illuminated lettering.  Very colorful, very good color and condition apart from some losses the ground now conservation mounted over linen and in its original frame with ultra violet filtering conservation glass.  Stitches used in this lovely little sampler are double running,…