Pages

Sunday 17 April 2011

Sampler from Ackworth for Auction Today

You might be up in time today to bid for this fragment of a 18th century sampler for sale today at Wilkinson's Auctioneers, Doncaster, Yorkshire, UK. It is Lot 329 and is stitched with the alphabet and a series of ligatured print characters. The text reads: Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the sorrows of thy Mother, How canst thee Recompence them the things they have done for thee. It is signed Mary Conway Aged 11 years Ackworth November 2 1785 (?). In a modern glazed frame, it measures 10 ins x 12½ ins (25 cms x 32 cms). The estimates are: £100-£200. There is no mention of Mary Conway in the Ackworth School Register, so it is possible she attended a school in the village of Ackworth, or was a member of family associated with Ackworth School who adopted some characteristcs of the needlework practised at the school.
And while you are in Doncaster, don't forget a visit to the local chippy for your battered Cadbury's Creme Easter Egg. (I don't believe I am writing this at breakfast....!)

2 comments:

  1. Have to say a big thank you for all you bring to my table! I saw the wonderful sampler exhibit at the florence griswold museum because of you and yesterday I contacted winterthur museum about the needlework conference in October! I would never have known about these things if not for you! Thanks so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. É sempre muito lindo ver um Sampler antigo! É imocionante saber que mãos bordaram no passado.
    Obrigado!

    ReplyDelete