Mary Preston – 1791

Description

MARY PRESTON 1791

This sampler made in Philadelphia is a wonderful example of the work taught by seamstress and teacher Ann Marsh (1717-1797) who taught needlework to the daughters of wealthy Philadelphians in the eighteenth century. Ann Marsh was taught by her mother, Elizabeth, and she produced many extraordinary needle works throughout her life, passing her skills along to her pupils. Her signature style included samplers that featured nine, or sometimes twelve, compartmentalized rectangular vignettes enclosing verses, genealogical information, stylized pine trees and floral and bird motifs. A nearly identical sampler to Mary Preston’s , using the same format (alphabets above nine compartments) was made by Elizabeth Ann Whiteside in the same year- 1791, and was sold by sampler specialists Stephen and Carol Huber and can be referenced at their website. Mary’s parents were Thomas and Sarah Preston. She was born in 1779.

Stitches used in her sampler are cross, petit point, eyelet, counted satin, and bullion knots. On 35 count linen the finished reproduction sampler will measure approximately 16-1/2″ x 18-1/2″, almost the same size as the original. The project is recommended for intermediate level needleworkers.

Kits include linen, embroidery floss, the graph, instructions and a needle.