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Sampler, 1852

This is a sampler worked by Mary Ann Jones aged 13 in 1852. She was from Temple Balsall and the church in the picture is supposed to be one in Warwickshire.

 

The text reads

Whatever the Work to God's Glory do all,

nor forget when the needle you ply

like doucas to hem and to stitch for the poor,

to watch pray and learn well to die

SH.1975.100

 

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 August 2, 2012
Taken on May 2, 2012