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Cross Stitch Sampler, Martha Bell
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| Accession #: | 1533.3 |
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| Title: | Cross Stitch Sampler, Martha Bell |
| Object Type: | Sampler |
| Participants: | |
| Physical Description: | This embroidered sampler has five alphabets in different styles done in cross stitch. "Martha Bell 1833" is embroidered at the bottom. There is a vine pattern along each side and simple geometric patterns along the top and bottom and in between the letter types. |
| Description: | Martha Bell (1818-1884) was born into a Quaker family in Wayne County, Indiana. Her piece reflects the wavy borders and careful work that were typical of samplers made in schools run by the Society of Friends during that time. Martha married Thomas Henley, a farmer, in 1845, and apparently spent the remainder of her life in Henry County, Indiana. Making an embroidered sampler was an important part of a girl's education during the 16th through 19th centuries. Originally, the ability to label household linens and clothing with embroidery was an essential skill at a time when all textiles were handwoven, and therefore very valuable. Samplers also provided an introduction to numerals and the alphabet, and they demonstrated a girl's ability to beautify her home with decorative objects. |
| Category: | Textiles |
| Subjects/Topics/Concepts: |
Decorative Arts (Decorative Arts)
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| Dimensions: |
Object H x W 13 x 13"
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| Materials/Techniques: |
cross stitch (Technique)
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| Related Exhibits: | |
| Credit Line: | Gift of Orville C. Pratt, 1954 |
To order a reproduction, inquire about permissions, or for information about prices see:
https://www.northwestmuseum.org/collections