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Sampler, 1813

This is a sampler worked by Mary Ann Tidye in 1813, aged 11 years. It is worked in fine silk thread and the work is of high quality. It reads

 

An Address to God

O Power - Supreme! To Thee My Thoughts I Turn,

Thou Only Comfort, When We Truly Mourn,

The Orphan's Parent, & The Widow's Friend,

To Thee, My Trembling Knees I Humbly Bend,

O Arm My Soul, The Stroke Of Fate To Bear,

And Check Th' Impetuous Torrent Of Despair,

Teach Me Submission To Thy Awful Doom,

To See Thy Mercies Thro' Misfortune Gloom.

Still With Thy Sacred Truth My Mind Inform,

To Guide My Steps Thro' Life'S Uncertain Storm,

For Thou Who Dost In Nought But Good Delight,

Hast Order'd All, And Therefore All Is Right

SH.1976.36

 

Samplers were first made in the 1400s or 1500s as a way of remembering different types of stitches or patterns. Over time they evolved into pieces of work made by young girls, proving their knowledge and patience.

 

The Herbert has over 60 samplers in its collection. With volunteers from NADFAS we have recently completed a project to improve their storage and to make them more accessible. You can see some of the samplers on display at the Herbert in the History Gallery, Connected and in What's in Store.

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Uploaded on July 31, 2012
Taken on May 2, 2012