More Samplers from the Auction Rooms

How can samplers be like London buses? Well, for a while you wait and wait and there is nothing, then three turn up together. Or maybe more, like this week. The first is an unusual silkwork sampler by Sarah Gartrell,1840, depicting four foreign and finely dressed figures, ethnically costumed, each holding a parasol. The figures are symmetrically arranged either side of two verses alluding to the brevity of human existence It measures 43 x 33.5cm (about 17 x 13 inches) and is lot No 547 at Sworders of Stansted Mountfitchet, UK. Estimate is £1,200-£1,500.


This charming quartet of samplers is for sale through Christies, UK on 21st September. The verse on the sampler on the bottom left is interesting - it reads: Industry taught in early days / Not only gives the Teacher praise: / But gives us pleasure when we view, the work that innocence can do. / Go on dear Child learn to excel, / Improve in Work and Reading well, / For Books and Work do both contend, / To make the Housewife and the Friend. What insight into the prevailing thoughts of the time that is. The estimate for all 4 is £600 - £800. See Christies for more details.


An Englishman's home is his castle - usually metaphorically but from Cheffins in Cambridge on 23 September is Lot No 693 - ‘Mary Stevens August 8th 1844’, her needlework sampler worked with a twin towered castle above birds, plants, red squirrel, cow and stag within a vine border measures 36x 30cm (14 x 11.75inches) and has an estimate of £150 to £250.


Also from Christies
is this unique historic view of Sheffield Infirmary - now transformed into executive apartments. It is lot 277 for sale on 21 September and measures 60 x 71 cm (23.5 x 28 inches).

And finally from Silverwoods of Lancashire is this Victorian large needlework sampler by Ann Ainsworth, 1863, with a church which appears to be a real and possibly traceable, surrounded by cherubs and pots of flowers. It measures 67cm by 77.5cm (26 x 31 inches.) and has an estimate of £30 to £50. It is lot number 318 for auction on 30 September. I hope Sarah Jane Whithed enjoyed her presant.....