Doe and Hope

Description

The unfinished George III period needlework sampler having a geometric medallion Quaker style border in the Ackworth school manner, enclosing two unfinished floral petit point bands above an ink letter reading ‘Worked by Margaret, second daughter of John and Margaret Penrose Robinson who died at 9 years of age in consequence of having swallowed a small particle of lobster shell … August 1809’ and presented glazed in a later ebonised and gilded frame.

There are a few moth patches to the work as photographed, though the whole remains in decent condition for its age. The frame is a later replacement and probably early twentieth century.

The ink letter in full reads ‘Worked by Margaret, second daughter of John and Margaret Penrose Robinson who died at 9 years of age in consequence of having swallowed a small particle of lobster shell while sitting and sewing?? with head thrown back. She died August 1809”

Unfinished works always intrigue us, though in this case it is not a mystery as to why Margaret did not finish her work, and it is incredibly sad. As such we will donate half of any profits made to the Millie’s Trust which is a charity that was set up following the loss of Millie in a choking incident at nursery in October 2012.

An incredibly moving and sorrowful object but also, one that should forever be cherished, to remember when time stood still far too early for poor Margaret.