Lot 1051: An Antique Mid-Victorian Emelen Clark Needlework Sampler Dated 1856
An antique mid-Victorian Emelen Clark needlework sampler dated 1856, worked in coloured silk or wool threads on a fine woven linen ground. The piece is housed in a wide, dark-stained wooden frame. The composition features multiple registers of uppercase and lowercase alphabets in various serif and block scripts, accompanied by a row of Arabic numerals. The central portion contains a pious religious verse, flanked by symmetrical motifs including stylised trees in planters, birds, and crosses. The entire design is enclosed within a decorative geometric and scrolling border. The central verse reads: “It is a short and simple prayer, / But ’tis the christian’s stay, / Through every varied scene of care, / Until his dying day. / As through the wilderness of life / Calmly he wanders on, / His prayer in every time of strife / Is still, ‘Thy will be done.'” The sampler is signed and dated at the bottom right in stitched characters: “Emelen Clark March 25 1856”. A white adhesive auction label is present on the top right corner of the frame, reading “HCP Auctions South West Lot 1051 www.hcpauctions.net”.
Condition report:
The fabric ground is significantly darkened and discoloured with heavy overall browning (photo 1). There is noticeable fading to the embroidery threads, though original green and blue hues remain visible (photo 1). The protective glazing is broken, with a large diagonal crack extending from the centre-left towards the bottom-centre (photo 1). The wide wooden frame shows surface scuffs, scratches, and general wear consistent with age (photo 1).
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