Ann Gardner worked this very pleasing house sampler using silk threads on linen over 200 years ago.  It has many of the characteristics that make Scottish samplers of this period so admired. Not the least of these is its design/format comprising bands at the top, a cartouche in the middle, and a handsome house with a front lawn, walkway, and sometimes animals in the bottom third of the piece. Other characteristics of Scottish samplers that Ann Gardner included in her work are its red and green color palette; the use of embellished “curly” initials; and a numerous pairs of initials throughout (thought in some cases to perhaps belong to family members of the needleworker). Above the cartouche, Ann worked a large tulip in a vase and within it, she included her name (one suspects that she was quite young when she worked this sampler as she did not leave enough space for the last letter of her last name, so she worked the “r” in the line below!) and the year that she “sewed this in”. The cartouche also contains a fountain with birds on either side. Elsewhere, Ann included baskets; trees, bushes, and birds making this sampler exuberant, graphic, and interesting. The colors have remained virtually unchanged as is evident by the last photo showing the reverse side next to the front.
 
This needlework has been conservation mounted and placed under old glass in a brownish-black custom-made Perry Hopf frame. The frame moulding profile chosen is appropriate for the period of the needlework. 
 
Condition: This needlework is in excellent condition with very small areas of thread loss to the top lettered bands. For detailed information on these areas or any other questions, please call or email. The ground linen is in excellent, undamaged condition.