Sampler
Object name
Maker
Date made
Mid-20th century
Place made
Description
Mid-20th-century blue and red applique sampler, likely worked at the RSN.
Content description
Mid-20th-century applique sampler likely worked at the RSN. Worked using red and blue linen and depicting abstract flowers and leaves growing out of a hillock. The two flowers, leaf, and hillock are outlined in navy blue cotton threads couched down with pink cotton threads. The largest flower has several petals embellished with patterns made of double running stitches, stem stitches, French knots, satin stitches, and multiple layers of trellis stitches. The centre of the flower, stitched in pink threads, consists of satin stitches bordered by French knots and straight stitches.
The trefoil leaf to the left of the large flower has a vermicelli design made of pink thread couched down with light blue thread. The small flower in the foreground has a centre of the same vermicelli design worked in back stitches, and an outline within its petals made in stem stitch. There is a leaf made of red linen in the centre front of the composition.
Although the maker of the sampler is not known, the scale, stitches, composition, and skills involved suggest it was made by a student at the RSN in the mid-20th century. It is similar to other applique samplers made at the school in this period.
The trefoil leaf to the left of the large flower has a vermicelli design made of pink thread couched down with light blue thread. The small flower in the foreground has a centre of the same vermicelli design worked in back stitches, and an outline within its petals made in stem stitch. There is a leaf made of red linen in the centre front of the composition.
Although the maker of the sampler is not known, the scale, stitches, composition, and skills involved suggest it was made by a student at the RSN in the mid-20th century. It is similar to other applique samplers made at the school in this period.
Dimensions
width: 33.5cm
height: 46cm
height: 46cm
Materials
Stitches
Techniques
Motifs
Catalogue number
RSN.3079
© Royal School of Needlework