Cross-Stitch Sampler

Date1799

Mediumlinen and silk

DimensionsTextile: 16 7/8 × 13 7/16 inches (42.9 × 34.1 cm)
Sight: 15 3/8 × 11 7/8 inches (39.1 × 30.2 cm)
Framed: 16 3/4 × 13 3/8 inches (42.5 × 34 cm)

Credit LineGift of the Gignilliat Family in memory of Emily Ravenel and Thomas Heyward Gignilliat Jr.

Object number2015.13

On View

Not on view

CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextAccording to family history, Savannah citizen Ann Bulloch gave this sampler to her friend, Ann Guerard White (1791–1861), and her family preserved it. Samplers were a way that many middle and upper-class girls perfected needlework techniques and practiced reading and writing skills. They became symbols of a girl’s education and refinement. In addition to learning these skills at home, Georgia girls could attend local day schools that advertised lessons in needlework in newspapers, or they could be sent away to boarding schools. In her work, Bulloch made small letters, vines with leaves and strawberries, and other borders in tiny cross stitches. She used complicated eyelet stitches to form larger letters and numbers. The verses at the bottom of the sampler were reminders to lead an honorable life. They likely read: While [you thy] work pursue Keep this reflection full in view Virtue soft balm of human woe Makes all our real bliss below Yesterday is gone, tomorrows not thine Therefore [thy life] to virtuous acts inclin Text written for Craft Along the Coast, 2026

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