Reading Between Lines – Embroidered Samplers, a new exhibition of embroidered samplers from the Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums collection, is now open at Aberdeen Art Gallery. The exhibition provides insights into the lives of the girls who sewed the samplers and the social, political and religious environment in which they lived in the 1700s and 1800s.
More than a record of stitches, a sampler was also evidence of the sewer’s industriousness, obedience and virtue. The exhibition invites visitors to ‘read’ the samplers by learning about the meanings behind the designs, for example bluebells signify faithfulness, fidelity and peace; the peacock signals that the sampler was sewn in Scotland. The earliest sampler in the collection dates to the mid-1700s and it provides biographical information about the sewer, Hannah Bosville, who was born on this day in (16 December) in 1741:
Hannah Bosvile was born on December the 16th in the year of our Lord 1741
Ellen Hall was my teacher 1755
Hannah Bosvile is my name
England is my nation
Moregate is my dwelling place and
Christ is my salvation
Helen Fowler worked this sampler at Insch School in Aberdeenshire in 1865. The alphabets have been embroidered in seven different fonts, ranging from plain to ornate.
This Berlin woolwork sampler was stitched by Nellie Valentine, aged 11 years, in the late 1800s. Nellie crammed in a great many different motifs including a peacock, flowers, strawberries, and a border of violets.
A new stitch sampler handling resource made by members of Aberdeen Stitch and Textile Group brings the display up-to-date. Visitors can explore the stitch glossary and see and touch beautifully-worked examples by members of the group.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said: “It’s great to see this exhibition of historic samplers from Aberdeen’s textile collection at a time when embroidery and stitching is enjoying something of a resurgence in popularity. People of all ages are recognising the benefits sewing brings to our wellbeing, but also for the positive environmental impact it can have when we repair what we wear. We are very grateful to the Friends of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums for providing funding for the conservation of these samplers. These beautiful works can now be admired not only by today’s visitors but also by generations to come.”
Twenty-one samplers have been painstakingly conserved prior to going on display, thanks to funding from the Friends of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums. Willem Boon von Ochssee, Chair of the Friends, said: “The Friends were very pleased to fund the restoration of these beautiful samplers, which are not only works of art in their own right, but also give voice to women and girls whose lives would otherwise have been forgotten.”
Heather King, Chair of Aberdeen Stitch and Textile Group, said: "Some of the inspiration for modern embroiderers comes from samplers such as those on display in this new exhibition. Members of ASTG were delighted to be involved in the project to create the stitched samples which demonstrate how traditional stitches can be given a modern interpretation.”
Reading Between Lines – Embroidered Samplers is now open at Aberdeen Art Gallery (Gallery 3 – Ground Floor) and continues until 30 November 2025. Open daily (except 25, 26, 31 December and 1, 2 January), admission free. For visiting information go to www.aagm.co.uk
Curator Morna Annandale will give a Lunchtime Talk at the Art Gallery about samplers from the collection on Wednesday 5 February at 12.30pm - pay what you can to support our programme.
Join members of the Unfinished Objects (UFO) group for stitching sessions on Tuesday 7 January and 5 February. Visit www.aagm.co.uk for full details.