Explore the CollectionQuaker Medallion Sampler

Measurements

47cm x 29.5cm

Place of Origin

Unknown origin

Physical Description

Medallion sampler, being one of the five main types of Quaker samplers taught from the late eighteenth to the early nineteenth century in Quaker schools in the United Kingdom. The other types of sampler taught were darning, lettering, alphabet or marking, text or extract and map samplers. These types of samplers were very distinctive and quite a contrast to the generally, colourful, samplers of this period. They 'illustrate that utility, simplicity or plainness, and literacy were set out as the cornerstones for the education and way of life of the [Quaker] scholars'. This is a polychrome Quaker sampler worked with beige, off-white, grey and black silk thread. Cross stitches are worked over one thread of the natural evenweave linen ground fabric. The full and half medallions, a cornucopia, and floral sprigs, etc are formally arranged over the fabric. It is not completely typical of the Ackworth School samplers, though they were copied, but rather the Milverton School samplers as 'The medallions are spaced well apart, the background is clear of initials and there is ... an unusual vine and leaf wreath with a coronet atop...’. Private Collection