Mid 19th century linen and wool work sampler by Ann Sawbridge aged 12 - 1847. This sampler is completely charming with neat stitch work throughout. The upper section of the linen is stitched with a row of flowers running across the top edge with a cross to each end and the following biblical quotation worked in red below
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth
While the evil days come not nor the years draw nigh
When thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them
The quotation has a flower, cross and bird to each side and a row of flowers beneath which have a tree plus bird at each end. This section of stitching is then underlined with a narrow linked border. The lower section of the linen is stitched with Ann's details and the date of 1847 to the centre with a cross flanked by a dog beneath and following biblical quotations to their left and right with a diamond border and a trio of flowers below the left side quotation and a trio of flowers below the right side one
There is no peace saith the Lord to the wicked
All things work together for good to them that love God
There is a central fruit basket to the bottom edge of the linen with a squirrel, tulip, bird and flower basket to either side, then the whole piece is surrounded by an arcaded floral border.
The linen has overall discolouration consistent with its age with general staining and areas of damage around the edges plus a small area of damage to the foliage of the tulip in the lower section. The colours of the wool are good. The last photo is of the reverse of the sampler and indicates how the colours would have looked when Ann first stitched it.