Bidspirit auction | 1831 Elizabeth Budge Needlework Sampler

1831 Elizabeth Budge Needlework Sampler - A needlework sampler on a fine linen ground, worked primarily in silk thread using cross-stitch and various decorative stitches. The composition is arranged within a geometric saw-tooth and cross-stitch border. The central text is worked in dark thread and reads Elizabeth Budge May 16 1831 followed by a second line reading Aged 13. The design is symmetrical, featuring a central flowering plant in a footed urn flanked by two large birds perched on flowering branches. Four smaller stylized trees or shrubs in pots occupy the corners. Additional motifs include hearts, stars, and baskets of flowers in a palette of muted greens, blues, tans, and browns. The sampler is housed in a wood frame with a dark stain and a gilt inner slip. On the reverse, an adhesive paper label with a serrated edge bears the handwritten inscription Grandfather Budge's sister. Born 1818. This genealogical note aligns with the date and age stitched on the front. Fragments of printed newspaper are visible behind the wooden backing boards. Height: 18 1/2 inches Width: 20 1/2 inches. The sampler shows significant signs of age and deterioration. There is widespread shattering and loss of the linen ground fabric, most notably in the lower-left and lower-right quadrants (photo 1). The fabric exhibits general toning and discoloration throughout. There is thread loss in the stitched lettering, particularly affecting the word years following the age (photo 4). The frame shows extensive finish loss, scuffing, and exposure of the underlying wood and gesso (photo 5, 6). The paper backing on the reverse is torn and largely missing (photo 7). The piece appears to be mounted using tacks or stitches to an acidic wood board, which has likely contributed to the fabric damage.