Elizabeth Shephard 1820

Description

Acquired in England, one might assume that this classic Quaker motif sampler was made at the Ackworth School in Yorkshire. However the influence of the designs promulgated by the Quaker School needleworkers stretched far beyond the confines of the school’s walls. This piece could have been stitched at home by a Quaker girl familiar with the designs, and judging by the coarseness of the linen and the silk threads, this was probably the case, as finer materials were supplied by the schools. The border of half images surrounds six central medallions with traditional Quaker designs: the floral cornucopia, paired birds, paddling swan, rose, and friendship slogan. The piece is worked entirely in cross stitch.