Mary Hedges

This is a particularly handsome sampler made in the classic symmetrical, mirror-image composition that characterizes many English samplers. The unusual and very interesting large building adds greatly to the appeal; the depiction may have been the school that Mary attended or a significant public building in her town. The four little dogs and many birds, some sitting on flower branches, some in flight and two sitting on the very tall chimneys, add nicely to the animation. 

The verse, entitled Contentment, are lines written by noted English poet, Nathaniel Cotton (1705-1788) is wonderful advice, 

“Life is a sea where storms must rise / Tis folly talks of cloudless skies / Be still nor anxious thoughts employ / Distrust embitters present joy.”

Worked in silk on wool, the sampler is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in its fine, original rosewood and gilt liner frame.