Darning Sampler from The Netherlands, dated 1781.

Darning sampler from Zeeland, the Netherlands, dated 1781. Darning sampler from Zeeland, the Netherlands, dated 1781. Courtesy TRC Leiden, cc. no. TRC 2016.1983.

The Textile Research Centre, Leiden, houses a remarkable darning sampler which dates to 1781 and originates from Zeeland, in the southwest of The Netherlands. It is worked in silk thread on a linen ground. It has M R V D B OUD 13 JAAR 1781 (MRVDB aged 13 years 1781) embroidered on it using cross stitch.

Around the central panel there are twelve areas of beautifully worked darning in various colours and weaves. The outer edge of the sampler is decorated with small flowers worked in cross stitch.

The piece is in a remarkable condition, although somewhat faded. This type of sampler used to teach girls how to become good housewives and, in particular, how to mend linen items, such as table cloths, napkins, sheets and so forth.

TRC online catalogue (retrieved 17 September 2016).

GVE

Last modified on Monday, 07 November 2016 18:20