Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
BRN.78.69 |
Object Name |
Sampler |
Description |
A rectangular linen canvas sampler embroidered using cross-stitch. The design features a floral border composed of various rose motifs surrounding a central plant with red and pink flowers in full bloom. Below the central motif is the stitched inscription: "Mary Ann Lammy, Toronto Township." Additional decorative elements include a vase with flowers, two fruit-filled baskets, and a red bird. The sampler is bordered with cotton fabric and mounted on a wooden board, with a layer of plain, thick cotton fabric placed between the sampler and the board. It is protected under glass and housed in a simple wooden frame. |
Year Range from |
1850 |
Year Range to |
1860 |
Artist |
Lammy, Mary Ann |
Dimensions |
H-2 W-61 L-63.5 cm |
History |
The name sampler usually means a sample of a young woman's knitting and sewing skills. Young ladies worked hard to match the weaving and embroidery skills that their mother had learned. Samplers were displayed and highly esteemed. A fine sampler was a sign that a woman had graduated into 'womanhood ' and was ready to marry and begin her own family.y. Sampler was made by Mary Ann Lammy (1842-1930), the daughter of James and Rebecca Lammy. In 1851, at the age of nine, Mary was living with Catherine Kerr, a widow, in Albion Township. It is believed that she may have worked on this sampler while visiting this family friend. Mary married William Hassard of Toronto Gore in 1863 and together had four children. After the death of her husband, she lived with her daughter, Mrs. McClure, and passed away in May 1930 at the age of 89. References: American Samplers. National Museum of American History. July 2025 https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/american-samplers Lammy Family, Museums of Mississauga, 2014 |
People |
Lammy, Mary Ann |