Framing a 19th Century Needlepoint Sampler

This Week at the Shop: In our post this week, a focus on the framing of antique needlework brought to our shop. Featured is a 19th century needlepoint sampler, likely a ‘marking sampler’ – a small piece of cloth with the alphabet, numbers (generally up to ten) often a ‘pleasing design’, and possibly the name of the maker – a young girl – who made the sampler. Samplers were regarded as a test for young girls, and enough for a person to show that she would be able to mark an object (such as a garment) with a name and number. (More info on samplers below). These items often come to us mounted on materials that are acidic, causing yellowing, or in framing that has allowed for mildew or other damage to occur. Our first steps are always the same: to help protect the art from further damage while being beautifully and appropriately displayed. With needlework, that includes considerations such as removal and remounting on acid-free, 100% cotton rag, stitched from behind to stay secure, the cloth free from adhesives that can turn brittle, yellow, and become difficult to remove. Our finished needlepoint featured here was appropriately spaced behind UV-resistant plexiglass to help against light-damage and damage from humidity or moisture. Finally, all was placed within an antiqued, distressed, finish-corner frame appropriate for the period, and that beautifully displays the work as though the framing had been created during the time of the maker. Thank you! Needlework or other artwork of your own stored away and needing attention? We’d love to help. Stop by our Claremont, NH shop for a free assessment, or contact us here: www.claremontcustomframing.com for more information.

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(You can see more information about the history of needlework samplers here: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/need/hd_need.htm, and ‘marking samplers’ here: https://www.ctcountryantiques.com/…/the-endearing-charm…

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