A sampler is a needlework panel on which a young girl would learn and practice her skills. This is one dated 1880, probably a gift to "Mother" from some young girl in Victorian England, and shows her practice animals and vignettes which were then back-worked with red wool stitches. The girl might have been as young as 7-8. What accounts for the darker red and faded red? Using different dye lots to complete her panel, it was likely a solid red when it was finished, but one dye lot faded more than the other. The panel was made up as a pillow cover and the old backing remains with it. A decorative edging in needlepoint mimics French passementerie. One could simply insert a down fill pillow form (or other) and sew up the open seam at bottom. Or, remake it with fringe and a new heavy silk or velvet backing. Large and without damage to the wool stitches, would be wonderful in a child's room or any Victorian home. Full measurements noted on photo.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, lots of photos show it up close and in quadrants for your review. Samplers are always fun, and none more so than this. No odors, backing is very old, might be best to remake the panel, unless strict authenticity is your goal.
