Description
Nine-year-old Elizabeth Harding finished her sampler on March 11th in 1791 during the reign of George III. Sadly, we have been unable to trace Elizabeth, as there are many Elizabeth Harding’s born around 1782. However, we do know that the Harding name has its origins in Scandinavia and Germany. It appears to be an old Nordic/Teutonic term for “tough guy”, and is still used as such in Sweden and the Hardanger Fjord in Norway, where people are still called “Hardings” or “Hardinger”.
The original sampler was stitched in silk on fine linen and has maintained its vibrant colours over the centuries. A Georgian red brick mansion house with checkerboard steps proudly takes centre stage and is guarded on either side by pine and apple trees. The doves in flight and the dovecote are a charming feature. Dovecotes were built by wealthy Georgians to supply the household with a luxury food, the tender meat of young pigeons. As dovecotes were always associated with a luxurious way of life, they came to symbolise high social status – or high social aspirations. For this reason, they were prominently situated, usually near the main entrance road to the house.
Stitch count is 367w x 425h
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