Antique Sampler, 1829 'Diligence' Sampler by Margaret Main

Object Description

1829 ‘Diligence’ Sampler by Margaret Main. Framed in an old wood frame with gilt slip and glass. Mounted to conservator standards on acid free card with chipboard backing. The sampler is worked in a silk thread on canvas ground, in a variety of stitches. Floral border. Colours red, cream, gold, black, browns and greens. Verse entitled ‘Diligence’ reads ‘How truly blest are they how leasure find> To dress the little garden of the mind> That grateful tillage will reward our pains> Sweet is the labour certain are the gains> The rising harvest never mocks our toil> We’er sure of fruit if we manure the soil’. Signed and dated ‘Margaret Main Aged 12 May 30 Anno Domini 1829’. A central picture of two girls in bonnets, one with a parosol, standing between two trees.

Object Condition

Generally Good. Two holes. No stains other than uniform age darkening of the ground. Very minor stitch loss to the verse and the girl’s bonnets. Colours are mostly good and strong with no noticeable fading. Stretching is slightly uneven. Frame in good condition, ready to hang.

Object Details