Elizabeth Harston

This winning little sampler distinguishes itself in several ways: quality of needlework, composition, small size, and rich coloration. Central to its imagery is an endearing songbird with a spotted tail perched on a branch and centered in an octagonal medallion, flanked by delightful flower baskets. The verse is a stanza from the Collection of Hymns by Rev. John Wesley (1703-1791), a fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford.

Interestingly, we know of a strikingly similar sampler, made by Sarah Bycroft in 1799, that is thought to show the influence of Quaker sampler design in the bird within the octagonal enclosure. That samplermaker lived in Weston, Lincolnshire, England.  

All of the lettering and inscriptions were carefully spaced to achieve balance; note that the samplermaker abbreviated her first name to bring this about. 

Worked in silk on linen, the sampler is in excellent condition, conservation mounted into its fine, original frame.