Edward Crew

Samplers made by boys are as rare as hens’ teeth (should we say roosters’ teeth?) and we are very pleased to offer this very good example. Edward Crew, age 8, carefully stitched many delightful little pictorial images on the top half of his sampler; these may have held special significance to him. 

The lower register is embellished with more generic motifs - butterflies, potted flowers, trees with birds on their branches and a spray of flowers. Narrow borders worked in beige silk surround the inscription and the entire sampler. 

Genealogical research turned up only one Edward Crew born in 1832, so we feel certain that this is our samplermaker. He was born in Kimpton, Hertfordshire, England, the son of Edward Crew, a grocer, and his wife, Sophia Crew. The family lived in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Later census records find Edward and his wife, Susan, still living in Hitchin. Edward was a grocer, following in the family tradition. His daughter, Alice, was listed as dressmaker, following her father in his needleworking tradition. 

The sampler was worked in silk on wool and is in excellent condition with three very small holes to the wool. It has been conservation mounted and is in a modern burl frame.