A remarkable late 18th century Scottish needlework sampler, discovered in Cullen, Aberdeenshire, and worked in coloured silk threads on handwoven linen.

Dating to the late 1700s, this beautiful sampler displays many of the characteristics associated with Scottish examples of the period. Rows of alphabets, numerals and decorative borders frame an enchanting folk art landscape featuring a distinctive pink house, flowering plants, elegant birds, grazing deer, crowns, hearts and baskets of blooms. Every motif is stitched with quiet confidence, creating a composition that is both decorative and deeply personal.

The naturally aged linen has softened to a warm oatmeal tone over more than two centuries, providing the perfect backdrop for the mellow pinks, reds, soft blues and olive greens of the surviving embroidery. Together they create the gentle, timeworn palette so admired by collectors of early textiles.

Found in Cullen, Aberdeenshire, the sampler bears a stitched maker's name and remains an evocative survivor from the Georgian period. It is equally at home in a serious textile collection or displayed as a piece of early folk art.

The sampler is offered unframed, allowing the next owner to conserve or display it according to their own taste.

Condition

Honest age-related wear throughout, entirely consistent with an authentic late 18th century textile. There are areas of thread loss, fading, small holes and gentle distortion to the linen, all of which contribute to its authenticity and charm. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Details

Late 18th century, circa 1780 to 1800

Probably Scottish, found in Cullen, Aberdeenshire

Hand embroidered in silk on handwoven linen

Unframed

Measures 33 x 44 cm

A scarce and beautifully decorative Georgian sampler with wonderful colour, appealing folk motifs and genuine historical presence, an exceptional addition to any collection of early needlework or British folk art.