Antique Scottish Sampler, 1781, by Betty Ferguson

Object Description

Antique Scottish Sampler, 1781, by Betty Ferguson. The sampler is worked in silk threads on a linen ground, in a variety of stitches. Meandering floral border. Colours red, green, gold, silver, blue and black. Family initials in the top half. Verse reads, ‘Ever varying Scene of mortal things… Each fleeting year.. Some alteration brings: When Young with hearts exulting full of joy. We leap from whim to whim, from toy to toy. Till slow experience teacheth us to know. That all is vanity and change below.’ Signed and dated ‘1781 BETTY FERGUSON AGED 12’. May possibly be identified with Betty Fergusson, baptised 16 March 1769, daughter of James Fergusson and Jean Faichnie of Monzievaird and Strowan, Perthshire, although further research would be required to confirm the attribution. Motifs, including a country house with a fenced garden, a dog stood on the grass. Leafy trees either side. In the top half, a fir tree, a heart and flowers. Framed in an old wood frame with glass. Mounting: The sampler is tacked to a wood stretcher frame. Frame backed with card and sealed with tape. Dimensions exclude the frame and slip.

Object Condition

Generally Good. A few holes. Repair to a small tear on the right hand side. Slight patchy staining around the border. Some stitch losses to the windows of the house. Colours are slightly faded, but still well defined. Very slight colour run around the MF initial and in the top right hand corner. Stretching is slightly uneven. Rusted tacks are visible along the left and right edges in places. Frame showing slight wear, otherwise sound.

Object Details