17?4 Silkwork Sampler by Susey Oliver. Framed in an old ‘molded composition over wood’ and gilt frame with rippled, old glass. Stitched to linen with wooden backing and brown paper dust cover. The sampler is finely worked in silk on linen ground, in a variety of stitches including Algerian eye. Meandering leafy border. Colours magenta, cream, blue, pale blue, pale green, light brown, gold, light blue. Alphabets A-Z in upper case and lower case with numbers 1-7. Verse reads:

‘PROCEED not to speak or to act before
thou hast weigh’d thy words and examin’d
the tendancy of every step thou shalt take.
The thoughtless man bridleth not his tongue
he speaketh at random and is entangled in the
foolishness of his own words.
The first step towards being wise is to
know that thou art Ignorant.
A plain garment beat adorneth a beautifull
woman and a modest behaviour is the great
est ornament of wisdom.
Behold the vain man and observe the aro
gant, he cloatheth himself in rich attire he
walketh in the publick street he casteth round
his eyes and courteth observation.’.
Signed and dated ‘Susey Oliver’s work finish’d Dec. ye 14th 17?4 Taught by Maryan Robinson of Bradford’

The remains of the third digit of the date indicate the number was a ‘3’ or a ‘5’. A few motifs including flowers and potted flowering plants.
Condition: Generally Good. A number of holes, some loss of ground in the corners, and the ground is wearing thin in a couple of places. No stains. No stitch losses other than to the holed areas. Colours are mostly good and strong with no noticeable fading. The silks bright and glossy. No colour run. Stretching is very slightly uneven. Frame showing slight wear and a couple of minor cracks, otherwise sound and ready to hang.
Dimensions: 12.25 inches by 8.75 inches wide

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