Embroidered Silk Sampler Map Of England & Wales Regency (1811-1820) ANTIQUE
This embroidered map instantly appealed to us, but our decision to add it to our stock was mainly based on its strong decorative attraction. Only after our research into the history of sampler maps we started to understand the importance of this object.
During the 1700's and early 1800's it was common to pass geographic knowledge onto girls of school age by means of embroidering maps. This needlework was done both at home and/or at boarding schools. It was seen as an important part of the curriculum. It gave pupils the chance to learn about country borders and county names as well as the location of the seas. Often the outer edges of the maps were finely decorated with a flower border.
After the Regency period the use for map needlework in education declined. Map samplers were often assumed to have been made for decorative use only. However, in recent years it has become clear how important a role and how effective map samplers in the education of young women were in the 18th and early 19th Century.
Unfortunately we do not know the name of the person who embroidered this beautiful silk work. Nor do we know the name of the school that she might have attended. But we have learned that this piece played on important part in history, hence this embroidered silk can be called a true cultural artefact. Safely mounted and framed in a large oval frame of our time, it can now be enjoyed by following generations.
