Ellen Mahon's Sampler Book From The Museum of Childhood, London

Ellen Mahon’s sampler book was made between 1852 and 1854. It shows off her embroidery skills, and includes some exquisitely made dolls clothes, including a tiny knitted glove and a stocking. it is perhaps quite sad that many of these specimen books have now been dispersed and the miniature samplers sold and traded as examples in their own right.

I am very intrigued by Ellen's work - it is Irish and possibly made under the tutelage of the Boyle family who were pioneer teachers, and who had furnished principals at the Collegiate School at Celbridge - a celebrated nursery of Protestant teachers. Perhaps you have some knowledge which you can share.

As you see the lovely floral bands and alphabet samples on Ellen's work strongly recalls the Mountmellick Quaker samplers below. And take another look at those darning patterns above - particularly the one worked on the bias - they are superb pieces.

These are just 4 of the 10 spreads you can see on-line - click here to see the rest.

Download today. Two very special Irish sampler charts from Clonmel and Mountmellick Quaker Schools. From the Friends Library Dublin.