The Sampler Sleuth
Gateway to the World of Samplers
If you have a passion for history and vintage treasures, chances are you’ll enjoy the world of antique samplers. For those familiar with samplers, no definition is needed; but for those new to this area of collecting, a quick backstory is useful.
The word “sampler” is a derivative of the Latin exemplum, meaning a model or an example to be followed. From very early times, when humans first marked fabric with stitched motifs, these “sample cloths” have been used to record and practice various motifs. Samplers, then, are pieces of cloth—usually linen—that feature hand-embroidered designs using threads made of cotton, silk, wool and even metallic fibers. What started out solely as a pattern or reference, over the centuries, turned into a useful tool in the education of children, especially girls.
Within the world of handwork, there are many forms of needlework—crewel, embroidery, cutwork, needlepoint, lacework and cross stitch—to name a few. While cross stitch is the mainstay of samplers, many employ other stitches and free-form embroidery.
So, where can we look at antique samplers and their history? Many museums—from small, local collections to national and international displays—hold samplers in their collections. The National Museum of American History and the Victoria and Albert Museum display many of their samplers on websites.
If you’re ever in Plymouth, Mass., be sure to visit Pilgrim Hall Museum where the oldest known American sampler is housed. It was stitched by Loara Standish, daughter of Captain Myles Standish, in the mid-1600s. Samplers and other textiles are among the holdings of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, including exhibits at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.
Samplers aren’t always on display in museums, so ask or call ahead to see if you may view samplers and other textiles in their collection. Check out museum gift shops where you’ll sometimes find books or reproduction kits for samplers in the museum’s collection.
If you get the sampler bug you may want to collect an antique or two yourself. There are many approaches to collecting. It’s often advisable to do some studying before buying, but you may find a piece of needlework that just “speaks to you.”
If you are in the market for a fine antique, do your homework and purchase the very best piece that your budget allows. Fragments of vintage samplers may be found for a few dollars, but fineart needlework has sold well into the six figures, and a few pieces of needlework have fetched more than a million dollars.
On the other hand, you might make a surprise discovery that you want to purchase. Sometimes a ragged, tattered piece from the past just needs to be rescued. The occasional bargain may be found at a yard sale, flea market or estate auction. These finds are real treasures.
Books detailing the beauty and history of samplers abound. Anything written by the late Betty Ring provides valuable insight. Many antique sampler enthusiasts maintain blogs or Pinterest boards that feature samplers. You’ll want to check out these amazing antique sampler resources that are available at the click of a mouse:
Don’t be surprised if you become a sampler addict after you get a taste of the history and beauty of samplers!