Lot 1091: 1856 House Sampler, Mary Ann Sewell / L. Bassenthwaite

Schoolgirl Needlework House Sampler, silk on linen, stitched in 1856 by Mary Ann Sewell, instructed by Mrs. Littie (Lettie?) Bassenthwaite. A blue sawtooth border encloses five rows of alphabets and numbers plus initials for the stitcher’s family members, over a verse, “In the glad morn of blooming youth / These various threads I drew / And thus beheld this finished piece / Rise glowing to the view” . The verse is flanked by urns of flowers surrounded by birds and strawberries, over a two story house surrounded by trees, deer, birds and dog or cat, all rendered in cross and eyelet stitch. Housed under glass in a figured maple frame, possibly original. Sight: 16 1/2 in. H x 15 in. W. Frame: 20 1/4 in. H x 18 5/8 in. W. Note: This sampler is likely English. There were a number of Mary Ann Sewells born in/around 1842 on both sides of the Atlantic, but the name of her teacher is extremely uncommon and found only in a few regions of England, primarily Norfolk and Cumberland. She is believed to be Letitia Ann Thomas Bassingthwaite/Bassenthwaite (1837-1915) of Norfolk, England. Mary Ann Sewell may be the daughter of silk weaver John Sewell and his wife Honor of Ashwellthorpe, Norfolk. The couple had 8 children besides Mary, born 1842, including Sarah, Robert, William and John, whose initials may be among those represented on the sampler. (Other children’s initials, however, do not appear to correspond). 

PROVENANCE: A West Tennessee collector’s estate. 

CONDITION: Not examined out of frame. Light toning to linen and fading to thread. Some thread loss to lower right border, otherwise good condition. Small rust colored stains to edge suggest it was tacked rather than glued to backing. Wear to frame.