Sampler made at a charity school 1853

This small sampler, created in 1853 by L. Matthews at a charity school, exemplifies a common educational exercise for young girls in the 19th century. The piece displays the alphabet, numbers, and a few simple motifs, all executed in red cross-stitch on a linen ground. Such samplers served as a testament to the student's skill and a record of their progress in needlework. They also often incorporated personal details, such as the student's name and the date, as seen here. This sampler, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the lives of young girls learning essential domestic skills in a bygone era.