Bidspirit auction | Darning and Embroidery Sampler Worked

Darning and Embroidery Sampler Worked by E.S.W. Dated 1822 in Norwich Carver and Gilder Frame - A 19th-century needlework sampler executed in silk threads on a linen ground. The composition features a central vertical floral spray with blossoms in blue, cream, and gold, flanked by eight rectangular darning blocks demonstrating various weave patterns in blue, cream, and olive green. Small embroidered X-shaped motifs and floral sprigs are scattered throughout the field. The sampler is signed with the initials E S W and dated 1822 in needlework on the right side. The piece is housed in a period wooden frame with a black finish, a gilded interior beaded slip, and a twisted metal handle attached to the right exterior edge. The reverse bears a large, partially surviving paper trade label printed in black ink with decorative script. The legible text on the label reads: FREEMAN, CARVER, GILDER & LOOKING GLASS, Manufacturer Wholesale & Retail, Son & SWAN LANE, Norwich, ANY HOUSE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, [a]ber & Variety of Looking Glasses, Concave & Convex Mirrors, [a]ndelabras, Bronzes, Fire Screens and Stands, Picture & Print Frames, [o]rnamented or plain Gold Borders for Rooms &c. PLATE GLASS OF A SUPERIOR COLOUR & SUBSTANCE, [f]or Drawing Room Windows, Carriages, Shop Fronts &c, [O]ld Glasses ground, Polished, Silvered and Framed, Workmen sent to any part of the Kingdom, [A]n Extensive Collection of Prints by the most esteemed Masters of all, Various Ancient & Modern [P]ictures carefully Cleaned & Preserved, every requisite for Painting, Drawing and fancy Work, FULL VALUE GIVEN FOR PICTURES, OLD PRINTS & OTHER WORKS OF ART. Width: 11 1/2 inches Height: 13 3/4 inches. The sampler shows significant age-related deterioration including heavy brown staining and discoloration across the right side of the textile (photo 1). Fraying is visible on some silk embroidery threads. The glass glazing is cracked diagonally across the lower right corner (photo 1). The frame exhibits scuffing, finish loss, and exposed wood at the corners and edges (photo 4). The paper backing and trade label are extremely brittle with large sections missing and multiple tears, exposing the interior wooden frame structure (photo 2 and 3).