Alphabet sampler framed and glazed with a starwberry border - 1817

This framed and glazed alphabet sampler, dated 1817, is a quintessential piece of early 19th-century needlework. Set within a charming strawberry border—a popular motif in the Regency era symbolising perfection and humility—the sampler features several rows of meticulously stitched alphabets and numerals. The strawberry vine, with its delicate fruit and serrated leaves, frames the central text with a vibrant, rhythmic energy that remains remarkably intact over two centuries later.

The embroidery is executed with fine precision on a tightly woven linen ground. The naturally dyed silks have aged gracefully, retaining a soft but distinct contrast that allows the Georgian typography to stand out clearly. Like your earlier 1800 sampler, the preservation behind glass has ensured the textile remains taut and the colours protected from significant fading.

Housed in a period-appropriate frame, this 1817 sampler is a hardy survivor of the early 19th century. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the domestic education of the period and serves as a sophisticated wall piece for a hallway, dining room, or a collection of antique textiles. Its blend of geometric alphabet rows and the more fluid, organic strawberry border makes it a versatile addition to both traditional and contemporary interiors.