Casgliadau Arlein

Samplers F72.319.1 and F72.319.2 were both made at Bedwas School by sisters Rachael and Margaret Davies. Rachael made her sampler at the age of 10 in 1841, while Margaret made hers in 1847 at the age of 11. The two samplers are almost identical which suggests that the pupils of Bedwas School were copying from a set example provided by a teacher.

Woollen ground, embroidered with coloured silks in various stitches, including satin, stem and cross stitch. Floral wavy stem border. Upper part: two verses flanked and surrounded by freely worked bird, tree and floral motifs. Lower part: large honeysuckle motif surrounded by floral, bird on tree and baskets of fruit motifs, and below, maker's inscription and date outlined, flanked by school name.