Sampler by Elizabeth Gibson

Dateca. 1850

Maker Elizabeth Gibson 1844 - 1865

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Petersburg (probably)

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 30 by 26 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOH: 9 1/2" x OW: 6 3/4"

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-89

DescriptionThis is a small, rectangular sampler worked in black, green, and peach silk embroidery threads on a dark linen ground. The sampler consists of two sets of uppercase alphabets, one set of lowercase alphabets, two sets of numerals: 1-10 and 1-8, all separated by bands of geometric designs. There is a faint signature line at the bottom of the sampler, "Elizabeth Gibson." The sampler has a 1/4" hem on all four sides.
Stitches: cross, eyelet, four sided, half cross, satin, and a unique patterned straight stitchProvenanceca. 1850, made by Elizabeth MacMurdo Perry, born Gibson [1844-1865] (Petersburg, VA); ?-1936, possibly maker's neice, Lucy Chamberlayne [1875-1943] (Petersburg, VA); 1936-2023, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present, transferred to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)