1875 Clara Helen Woodward Streatham Hill England schoolgirl sampler

19th century English schoolgirl sampler by 11 year old Clara Helen Woodward worked in 1873. A charming mix of traditional alphabets and unusual motifs (I haven’t seen some of these before!), the text reads “Clara Helen Woodward Streatham Hill (located in London) May 20th 1875 Born April 18th 1864.” Motifs include a buggy, a tea set, a mantel clock, an exotic pagoda and floral sprays and vases.

An unusual and delightful aspect of this sampler is that stitches in the motifs in the lower half are worked over a single thread of the very finely woven linen (about 50 threads per inch). Cross stitches are used throughout with border rows of four-sided stitches and square eyelets. Some stitches are worked with a too-heavy silk thread that creates a puffy, almost dimensional look. The last photo shows the reverse of the sampler.

7-1/2″ wide by 12-1/4″ long, hemmed on all four sides. Condition is excellent with some fading of silk threads, particularly the typically fugitive lavender dyes, the only issue. The deep red and pink silks are still vibrant. There are a few loose silk threads on the back that were not trimmed. The linen fabric has some very faint color irregularities and a few small discolored spots near the middle but overall is a lovely golden tan shade.

This sampler is unframed and will be rolled in a protective sleeve and shipped in a tube for safe arrival. A signature will be required at delivery. Shipping is included in the price for delivery within the US, and will be billed separately for other destinations.

SOLD