A charming genuine 19th century sampler very well worked in faded silks on cream cotton canvas - mounted on original pinewood backboard. Strawberry border, verse, alphabet, numerals, birds, trees, baskets and various floral motifs. A very decorative well stitched neat sampler likely worked by a young child.
The verse reads: "Let me improve the hours I have, before the day of grace be fled, There's no repentance in the grave, Nor pardon offered to the dead. Just as a tree cut down, that fell to the north or southward there it lies, so man departs to heaven or hell, fix'd in the state wherin he dies."
Faded silks, georgian colours : mustard, greens, dark blue green and cream. The body of the Sampler is fine but sadly very worn chewed edges invading the lower edges of the border - particularly to the bottom edge, bottom right side and top left, please see pics. A competent framing job will hide most of this. Slight darkening to the ground to the top left quadrant & it looks like glue been applied to a small section of the bottom right corner to prevent the sampler coming adrift from the mount. Otherwise a fine early sampler in good displayable condition. Needs a frame & glass to protect. Click on any image to supersize. If you would like more images email abfab1@btinternet.com
Measures - 17 3/8" x 13 1/2" wide.
Will be well packed, shipping special next day delivery within the UK or insured 'signed for' delivery to all overseas destinations.
