Auction Roundup

I really love these darning pattern samplers. This one is for auction at Gorringes, Sussex on 9th May and is Lot 147. These samplers make their appearance in England towards the end of the 18th century and disappear almost by the mid 1800s. They had a longer life on continental Europe, with teachers advertising their services in Amsterdam from the late 1670s. Many of the English darned pattern samplers like this appear to be associated with Norwich - but not all are. This one is unsigned, so it would be hard to locate. It is interesting that the fashion for working these samplers coincided with the period when calimanco weaving in Norwich was in decline. This sampler is 11.5 inches square and has an estimate of £1,200 - £1,600. Click here for more details.

For auction at Martin and Pole on 2 May is this lovely, though somewhat damaged, 19th century tablet sampler. It is Lot 303 with an estimate of £80 - £120. It was worked by Ann Wooding in 1817 and measures 12" x 16" approx. Click here for more details.

And a French sampler! (8 May 2012 - Mia has just pointed out that this is more likely a Belgian sampler, since the motto is Belgian - thank you Mia!)Hommage A Mes Chers Parents incorporates the names of Gilbert Liepin 1872, Marie Carton 1870 and Elise Liepin 1909. It measures 19" x 18" and is in a glazed, ebonised frame. it is Lot 106 for auction on 3 May at The Amersham Auction Rooms with an estimate of £50-£100. Click here for more details.