Pair Antique Samplers, 1803, by Ruth Orsmond

George III, dated 1803. 16.5ins high, 13ins wide, 1.6ins deep. Pair of Georgian Samplers, stitched in 1803, by Ruth Orsmond.

Both examples are worked in silk threads on a linen ground, mainly in cross stitch.

The example with a house has a Meandering strawberry border.

Colours green, dark brown, copper, gold, black, pink, pale blue and yellow.

Verse reads, 'Tell me ye knowing and discerning few, Where I may find a Friend both firm and true. Who'd dare stand by me when in deep distress, And then his Love and Friendship most express.' Signed and dated, 'Ruth Orsmond in her eleventh Year January the 14th 1803'.

A wonderful set of motifs, including a house,

Adam & Eve standing either side of the tree of life with a snake coiled around its trunk,

a dog, cockerels and hens,

birds, flowers, potted flowering plants,

fruit baskets,

fir trees

and hearts.

Framed in an old, possibly original, Hogarth frame with rippled, old glass.

Mounting: The sampler is tacked to a wood stretcher frame. Frame backed with paper and sealed with tape.

The example with Spies of Canaan: Has a meandering strawberry border.

Colours green, red, dark brown, copper, gold, black, pink, pale blue and yellow.

Verse entitled 'Psalm the 133rd' reads, 'Behold how good and Joyful a thing it is brethren to dwell together in Unity. 2. it is like the precious Ointment upon the head that ran down unto the beard: and went down the skirts of his clothing. 3. Like as the dew of Hermon which fell upon the hill of sion. 4. For there the LORD promised his Blessing and life for ever.more'.

And the other verse entitled, 'Isaiah chap XII V10' reads, 'Fear thou not. For I am with thee be not dismayed, For I am thy GOD: I will strengthen thee yea. I will help thee. Yea I will Uphold thee with the right hand of my Righteousness. Now therefore our GOD we thank thee and praise thy glorious name Amen.'.

Signed and dated, 'Ruth Orsmond in her eleventh Year September the second one thousand eight Hundred and three'.

A good set of motifs, including the Spies of Canaan,

birds, potted flowering plants, fir trees, trees,

hearts, deer

and angels.

Framed in an old, possibly original, Hogarth frame with rippled, old glass.

Mounting: The sampler is tacked to a wood stretcher frame. Frame backed with paper and sealed with tape.

CONDITION: Example with a house: Generally Good. A number of holes, mainly in the border.

A few dark stains.

No stitch losses. Colours are all good and strong. No colour run. Neatly and evenly stretched. Frame in good condition, ready to hang.

Example with Spies of Canaan: Generally Good. A number of holes.

No stains. No stitch losses other than to the holed areas.

Colours are all good and strong.

Very slight colour run on one motif, bottom left.

Stretching is slightly uneven at the top.

Frame in good condition, ready to hang.