The English sampler underwent its most dramatic transformation during the eighteenth century, as its form gradually followed its function. No longer solely a pattern record, samplers were evolving into frameable art in their own right. A more pictorial format emerged throughout the eighteenth century. Borders, verses, and pictorial scenes replaced the long pattern bands of the seventeenth century. Until about the last quarter of the eighteenth century, stitch variety, symmetry and technical expertise were paramount in English needlework. Great genius was exhibited in many of these samplers, demonstrating that they were more than mere alphabetical exercises in monotony. Like American samplers of the nineteenth century, stitch variety declined and, with rare exceptions, only the cross stitch prevailed on later, simpler works.

A Flamestitch Sampler circa 1760 This sampler is designed after a mid-18th century piece,...

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Amelia Pewmer Sampler circa 1782 Although there has not been the extensive research and study of...

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Ann Depauw 1714 Sampler Designed after an exquisite English band sampler. The verse is: ...

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Ann Hair 1762 Sampler This is a beautifully balanced, intensely stitched transitional...

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Ann Johnson 1729 Sampler As the purpose for making samplers evolved over the decades and...

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Ann Kirby 1790 Sampler Towards the end of the 18th century, pastoral scenes featuring...

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Ann Medd 1742 Sampler This is a most unusual sampler, without precedent, ambitious...

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Ann Smith 1767 Sampler Perfect symmetry, brilliant colour, and fine stitching make up...

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A Parrot A Leopard A Lion Sampler A Parrot A Leopard A Lion reproduction tent stitch needlework...

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Dorcas Haynes 1720 Sampler This is the most symmetrical, balanced, counted thread samplers...

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Elizabeth Burrows 1725 Sampler This small early eighteenth century English alphabet sampler is...

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Elizabeth Ginger Sampler 1735 This sampler, from the collection of Witney Antiques in Witney,...

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Elizabeth Mansfield 1792 Sampler Elizabeth Mansfield finished her sampler in England on 13th June...

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Elizabeth Rawlins 1735 Sampler An unusual four-sided counted satin stitch border surrounds two...

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Elizabeth Simon 1758 Sampler The beautiful pastel colours on this English sampler are very...

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Elizabeth Topham 1727 Sampler This English sampler combines embroidered pictorial, alphabetic,...

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Emily Lucille Sampler Adapted from a mid eighteenth century English sampler. The...

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English Transitional Sampler 1711 The original sampler from which this kit was reproduced, from...

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Grace Catlin 1719 Sampler Who would love this world or prize whats in it that gives...

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Grazing Sheep Sampler circa 1810 An English sampler of circa 1810. This finely worked sampler...

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Jane Atkinson Sampler circa 1780 This needlework was designed after an English sampler in the...

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Jane Ogle and Elizabeth Norris... Here we have two English band samplers of letters - Jane Ogle...

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Jane Parish 1718 Sampler This is a very curious sampler, belonging to a small group made...

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Margery Dean 1748 Sampler A solidly infilled tapestry-like sampler, this mid 18th century...

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Margret Gatis Sampler 1711 The focal point of this amazing English band sampler is its knot...

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Mary Hales 1733 Sampler This English sampler features two pairs of human figures worked...

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Mary Keeling 1796 Sampler With an extensive palette of twenty three colours, this finely...

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Mary Moyse 1709 Sampler Of all the known Juda Hayle school samplers, Mary Moyse's is one...

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Mary Simson 1719 Sampler The cartouche band in the lower third of this English sampler...

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Miriem Brocklehurst 1726 Sampler This sampler is a good example of the work done during the...

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My Life Is A Flower Sampler circa 1725 Although unsigned and undated, this remarkably well-preserved...

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Optical Design Bargello Panel circa... When The Scarlet Letter acquired the original needlework from...

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Polly Phillip 1772 Sampler So much research remains to be done on the origins, schools, and...

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Rachel Jarratt Sampler circa 1760 Skill and expertise in sampler-making did not necessarily peak...

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Rebecca Morris 1787 Sampler This sampler is probably English, originally worked on a fine...

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Rising Doves Sampler Rising Doves is a Tent Stitched Picture signed by "AP" and dated...

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Ruth Bacheler Sampler 1717 A Sampler from the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum in...

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Sarah Brignell 1769 Sampler This is a sampler unto itself: truly an original piece of folk...

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Sarah Limah 1748 Sampler An English sampler from the collection of The Shelburne Museum,...

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Sarah Pain 1754 Sampler This English sampler retains the band shape of the 17th century,...

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Sarah Stuart 1798 Sampler Still retaining its original bright colour, Sarah Stuart's silk...

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Sary Burditt 1755 Sampler Early to mid 18th century English samplers often borrowed motifs...

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Sophia's Sampler circa 1780 A four-sided strawberry meander border surrounds this sweet...

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Susan Dunn 1771 Sampler As brightly coloured as the original eighteenth century English...

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Tablet Sampler circa 1755 The earliest tablet format samplers were created in England...

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The Piping Shepherd circa 1730 Needlework fashion was in the throes of change when this canvas...

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The Seduction circa 1700 This wonderful English tent-stitched picture shows an amorous...

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The Seventen Sailors circa 1780 A very unusual small late 18th century sampler, featuring a...

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