Sampler. A large needlework sampler roll by Edith Stuart, Pensionnat des Ursulines, 1900

Sampler. A large needlework sampler roll by Edith Stuart, Pensionnat des Ursulines, 1900, very finely hand sewn with numerous panels showcasing a wide variety of stitching techniques: an alphabet sampler worked in yellow cross-stitch with letters and numerals and the words 'Edith Stuart au pensionnat des Ursulines Herck-la-Ville 1900'; a finely knitted miniature sock; a sample of buttonhole and loops in a frame of embroidered maple leaves; a sample of knitted lace; tucks and drawn threadwork; a miniature knitted skirt; a large initial 'E' embroidered in cream silk in padded satin stitch and decorated with flowers in gold-coloured silk thread; a knitted miniature tunic; a finely gathered sleeve with cuffs; a darning sample; a floral inital 'S' worked in raised satin stitch in gold silk within a decorative frame worked in cream silk; another miniature knitted sock; a patch; and a sample of various decorative stitching patterns worked in cross-stitch and straight stitch in gold silk, with decorative strips between each panel, of needlelace, crochet, and decorative braid with insertions, each end finished with tucks and a berry and leaf scalloped edge worked in gold silk, sometime backed with neatly tacked cream muslin (wrapping round edges to front), occasional light marks and faint foxing, but overall in very good condition, 513 x 30 cm (202 x 11.75 ins) (Quantity: 1) The Roman Catholic Order of Saint Ursula was founded at Brescia, Italy, in 1535, and was the first dedicated to the education of girls. Lessons traditionally included all manner of practical needlework as well as fine embroidery. This beautiful and impressive sampler, patiently worked by an English girl at a convent in Belgium, is testament to the quality of the teaching of the Ursulines.