Images(2)

Sampler

PeriodCirca 1820-1830

Place MadePossibly Scandinavia

MediumLinen, silk, bullion thread, bullion tape

Dimensions10 × 9 in. (25.4 × 22.9 cm)

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Kimberly Welle in memory of Robert and Dorothy Welle, 2024

Object number2024.6

DescriptionA rectangular sampler of very fine unbleached linen, 35 count thread, with six (three above, three below) stylized tulip shaped vases, outlined in blue with oyster white bodies, thin gold bullion embroidery on base shaft and gold bullion tape embroidery on vase base. Large stylized floral bunch above vase, with large white blossoms and blue stems and leaves. Gold bullion tape embroidery used in the centers of three of four blossoms on each bunch. Small blue and white floral motif spaced between each vase, total of four. Below vases along the bottom edge of sampler is a wide decorative band, outlined in gold bullion thread, blue and gold bullion twisted vine with alternating white and blue floral buds and thin dark brown leaves. Linen has been roll hemmed along the bottom and left edge, selvedge edge along the right, while the unfinished top edge has been folded over and back onto a cardboard backing and sewn into place with whipstitching.
Curatorial RemarksThis sampler's origin is mysterious. The history attached to it states that the donor's parents purchased the Marcus Spring cottage and the sampler, along with a number of other items, was in the house at the time. It is uncertain whether the sampler was owned or presented to Marcus Spring or his wife by one of their many visitors. The sampler's unusual and generous use of both gold bullion thread and gold bullion "tape" thread coupled with the distinctive floral motifs and their placement on the fine quality linen seems to indicate a European origin, not American. The sampler bears no resemblance to any of the many samplers and sampler-related needlework in the Historical Association's collection. The sampler does, however, bear close resemblance to late 18th and very early 19th century needlework samplers produced in Scandanavia. The Springs welcomed many well-known travelers to their home, including women's rights activist and writer Frederica Bremmer.NotesThis sampler came from the Marcus Spring cottage now located on Richdale Road in Lincroft. Originally, the Carpenter Gothic style residence was built on the North American Phalanx acreage by Marcus Spring. Born in 1810 in Northbridge, Massachusetts, Spring moved to New York City in 1831. He became a successful cotton merchant and businessman. Spring married Rebecca Buffum (1812-1911) in 1836. Buffum was a force in her own right, interested in abolition and vocal in her support of John Brown. The couple devoted energy to the utopian movement, women's suffrage, and abolition. Marcus Spring was one of the key stockholders in the North American Phalanx community. Founded in 1844 by Charles Sears and others, the community was based upon French philosopher Charles Fourier's beliefs. Spring and his family spent many summers at the Phalanx. In around 1849, he built a private cottage on the property for his family's use. This appears to have negatively impacted his relationship with the other community members. By 1853, Spring had withdrawn his support from the Phalanx and started a rival community, the Raritan Bay Union. The Union was short-lived and closed in 1860. The Springs then founded Eagleswood Military Academy in 1861. While at the North American Phalanx, the Springs welcomed such mid-19th century personalities as Angelina Grimke, Lydia Maria Child, Margaret Fuller, and Frederica Bremmer. In 1858, after the demise of the Phalanx, Marcus Spring sold the cottage and 150 acres to Thomas B. Walling. Walling's son, William A. Walling, inherited the property after his father's death. Eventually, members of the Bucklin family, many of whom were original members of the North American Phalanx, purchased the property and moved the cottage to its present location. Eventually, the donor's grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Welle, purchased the property in the 1950s. The sampler was in the house at the time.

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