Fine English Sampler, Early 19th Century

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Fine English Sampler, Early 19th Century

About the Item

The samplers of Norfolk, England form, as a group, one of the most cohesive and visually appealing types of English sampler. Imitation and Improvement: The Norfolk Sampler Tradition by Joanne Martin Lukacher (In the Company of Friends, Redmond, WA, 2013) is an important new book that is both scholarly and greatly interesting. Included are many groups within the overall, illustrating approximately 115 samplers. Our favorite Norwich category is that of the darning sampler and they are described by Ms. Lukacher as follows, “Darning samplers, which became popular in England in the second half of the 18th century, make use of needle weaving techniques to achieve engaging patterns, complex in appearance.” These samplers can evidence a wonderful delicacy, organized around typical and very handsome floral compositions. We are pleased to present this praiseworthy Norfolk darning sampler, a recent discovery and addition to this group. In characteristic fashion, it features a fine basket of flowers with corner-blocks, oval elements and many flowers, all worked in the needle darn technique. Quite unusual and amusing are the four large striped birds worked in metallic, iridescent threads. An early family notation from the backboard tells us of the maker, Ann Brereton, born circa 1807, and that she worked this at age 9. She later married a Mr. Seppings as the note was written by her son, Thomas Seppings. We turned to Ms. Lukacher for further information and are grateful for the following: “This sampler-maker was probably from the area around Fakenham, about 25 miles northwest of Norwich, and two villages to the east/northeast of Fakenham -- Brinton and Briningham. The Brereton family was originally from Cheshire. In Norfolk the family seat was at Letheringsett Hall near Falkenham until it was acquired by the Hardy family in the mid 1770's. Brinton Hall, a Georgian house in the village of that name, was rebuilt in 1822 by the Brereton family. In the 18th and 19th centuries branches of the Brereton and Seppings families were frequently intermarried and would customarily have had business interests in common. For example, records show that in 1770 a Thomas Seppings was apprenticed to John Brereton of Brinton, a Norfolk mercer. Thomas was a popular name in the Seppings family and the name Ann a favourite of the Breretons. Given the propensity of the families for marrying cousins, it’s difficult to pin down this Ann although probably possible with diligent research. The close relationship of the two families in this part of Norfolk is evidenced by a large mid-Victorian pyramidal monument dominating the parish yard of the Church of Saint Maurice in Briningham bearing the names Brereton and Seppings under a statue of the muzzled bear from the Brereton family crest.” The sampler was worked in silk on linen and is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in a 19th century gold leaf frame. Samplers and needlework are our specialty. If you are interested in more of this type of work please visit our website.

Dimensions:
Height: 13.25 in (33.66 cm)Width: 13.25 in (33.66 cm)
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1816
Condition:
Seller Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU85831121294