Sampler
Object name
Date made
Late 20th century
Description
20th-century sampler reproduced from a 19th-century sampler made by Susan Stannard in Bromeswell, Suffolk. The original sampler is also in the RSN Collection (RSN 512).
Content description
A late 20th-century reproduction of a 19th-century sampler made by Susan Stannard from Bromeswell (in the RSN Collection, RSN 512). This reproduction is worked entirely in cross stitch on undyed linen. There are two alphabets, lower and upper case, and two sets of numbers. Both alphabets and the text are worked in an italic font.
Below the alphabets and numerals is an inscription that reads, 'I sigh not for Beauty nor/Languish for Wealth, but/Grant me kind Providence,/Virtue and Health, than/Richer than Kings and/More happy than they my/Days shall pass sweetly/And swiftly away'. The verse, relatively common on samplers, comes from Hannah More's The Search After Happiness, first published in 1762.
Below the text is a fruiting tree with a snake climbing its trunk. Other symbols below and surrounding the text include crowns, fruit baskets, flowers, trees, lions, and birds. These symbols have been positioned in symmetrical pairs. A strawberry border frames the entire piece.
At the bottom of the sampler is the inscription 'Susan Stannard Bromeswell', with 'Stannard' and 'Bromeswell' separated by a coat of arms-esque symbol. There are too many Susan Stannards from Bromeswell to ascertain exactly which one would have made the original sampler.
Below the alphabets and numerals is an inscription that reads, 'I sigh not for Beauty nor/Languish for Wealth, but/Grant me kind Providence,/Virtue and Health, than/Richer than Kings and/More happy than they my/Days shall pass sweetly/And swiftly away'. The verse, relatively common on samplers, comes from Hannah More's The Search After Happiness, first published in 1762.
Below the text is a fruiting tree with a snake climbing its trunk. Other symbols below and surrounding the text include crowns, fruit baskets, flowers, trees, lions, and birds. These symbols have been positioned in symmetrical pairs. A strawberry border frames the entire piece.
At the bottom of the sampler is the inscription 'Susan Stannard Bromeswell', with 'Stannard' and 'Bromeswell' separated by a coat of arms-esque symbol. There are too many Susan Stannards from Bromeswell to ascertain exactly which one would have made the original sampler.
Dimensions
width: 41.4cm
height: 54cm
height: 54cm
Materials
Stitches
Techniques
Motifs
Catalogue number
RSN.512.a
© Royal School of Needlework