Antique Scottish Sampler, 1813, by Erskine Wade Sinclair

Object Description

Georgian Scottish Sampler, 1813, by Erskine Wade Sinclair. The sampler is worked in silk threads on a linen ground, principally in cross stitch. Meandering strawberry border. Colours red, blue, dark brown, green, black, gold and silver. Signed and dated, ‘Erskine Wade Sinclair July 21 1813’.
The sampler features an unusual and engaging arrangement of motifs centred on a substantial brick house with smoking chimneys, steps and garden. Standing on either side are two armed male figures carrying rifles and wearing top hats and military-style dress. Other motifs include a dog, rabbit, birds, fruit baskets, crowns, stylised flowering plants, fir trees, flowering trees and a pair of peacocks with distinctive fan-shaped tails.
The composition displays the strong folk-art character often associated with early nineteenth-century Scottish samplers, with a pleasing balance of architectural, floral and symbolic motifs.
Framed in an old wooden frame with rippled period glass.
Mounting: The sampler is stretched over a wooden stretcher and secured with tacks. The frame is backed with card and sealed with tape.. Dimensions exclude the frame and slip.

Object Condition

Generally good. A couple of tiny holes. A small area of thinning to the ground in places. The linen ground has a deep, mellow colour, which may in part reflect the character of the original Scottish homespun linen, together with the effects of age. There are no notable stains beyond the uniform age toning of the ground. No losses to the embroidery. The silk colours have faded slightly over time but remain clear and well defined, with no evidence of colour run. Neatly and evenly stretched. The frame is in good condition and ready to hang.

Object Details