This wonderfully original Sampler was produced in 1826 by Mary Ann Hearmon, aged 8 years. 

It reads "Ill Customs by Degrees to Habits rise,

Ill Habits soon become exalted Vice:

Ill Customs gather by unseen Degrees, 

As Brooks make Rivers, Rivers swell to seas."

- heavy going for an 8 year old! There area some lovely pictorials around the wording including dogs by trees and potted flowers and the whole thing is surrounded by a geometric floral border.

 

It remains in it's original Georgian frame with it's original, and wonderfully wobbly, piece of glass.  There is some detrioration to the linen background - mainly noticable in the upper left corner (see detailed photograph) along with some areas of discolouring to the background but after nearly 200 years I'd say it was doing pretty well. 

 

The sampler measures 37cm high x 35cm wide x 2cm deep. 

 

UK Mainland P+P would cost £10.

 

S/N:  #1817