The Quaker Tapestry Museum is delighted to announce the purchase of a historic Quaker embroidery sampler, The Blackburn Sampler. A new special exhibition Sampled Styles will be opening at the museum in Kendal on Saturday 8th March to celebrate this new addition to the collection. The exhibition will showcase samplers from the collection that have never been displayed alongside this beautiful new addition.
The acquisition from Witney Antiques has been made possible by the generous help of the Museums Association’s Beecroft Bequest and individual donors. The museum is thankful for this valuable help that has allowed the first active acquisition for the organisation.
The Blackburn sampler dates from 1723 and bridges the gap between the band sampler styles that became prevalent later in the 18th century and the spot samplers that were common at the end of the 17th century. It incorporates stylistic elements from both styles, with the letters of the alphabet, moralizing verse and bands of vegetative patterns seen in many of the museum’s other (later 18th and 19th century) samplers, whereas the two large flowers at the bottom are typical of earlier geometric spot motifs.
Elizabeth Blackburn was born in Great Eccleston, Lancashire near the sea and by the River Wyre, explaining the inclusion of the ship in the sampler. The ship links with early seafaring Quakers which is depicted in the Quaker Tapestry.
“We are absolutely delighted that after a concerted effort, we are finally able to call the Blackburn Sampler our own. We cannot wait to put it on display for the public.” – Francesca Vine, Curator
“This sampler is a beautiful example of historic Quaker needlework and will help us to tell the story of women in the movement. We are very thankful to the Museums Association’s Beecroft Bequest and all the individuals that donated to make this purchase possible.” – Naomi Garnett, General Manager
As the UK’s only accredited museum dedicated to Quaker social history, the Quaker Tapestry Museum has a unique collection of Quaker samplers, with some having been made by family groups (mother-daughter and cousin/sibling). This new sampler will broaden the time-period of the collection, showcase a different style and has a local connection.
Book your tickets to visit our new Sampled Styles Exhibition
