Historical information
This verse is a traditional poem or inscription historically dedicated to the art of needlework, embroidery, and samplers.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, young girls frequently stitched verses like this onto their school room samplers to demonstrate both their needlework skills and their virtuous upbringing.
The verse encourages young women to use their hands with unmatched skill to master the needle (embroidery) and honor the quill (writing or drawing designs).
This text belongs to a genre of anonymous "sampler verses" widely used in the 1700s and 1800s. These verses were often distributed by schoolmistresses or printed in specialized instruction manuals to serve a dual purpose: moral instruction and literacy practice.
The earliest recorded physical evidence of this exact verse appears on an English needlework sampler stitched by a girl named Ann Luty in 1788, at the age of 13.
Physical description
Traditional child's sampler on ecru linen embroidered in a variety of coloured silks and stitches.
External border in a traditional strawberry design.
Ornate dividing bands separate the alphabet, numerous floral and tree motifs.
Large bottom panel depicts two men carrying a sedan chair or 'litter' with person inside.
Identical motifs embroidered either side of trees, dogs, flowers and birds.
Two small crowns either side of the cartouche with maker's name and date.
Inscriptions & markings
"Young ladies for whom gentle minds incline
To all that's curious innocent and fine
With admiration in your works are read
The various textures of the winding thread
Then let your fingers with unrivalled skill
Exalt the needle grace the noble quill"
Elizabeth May Nov 13 1810 Aged 8
