Rare Needlework Sampler, Laura Murdoch (1804-1835), Leominster, Massachusetts, Dated 1816

Worked in silk threads and crinkled silk floss on linen, with satin, straight, rice, tent and cross-stitches. Inscribed: How blest the maid, whom circling Years improve,/Her God the object of her warmest love,/Whose useful hours, successive as they glide,/The book, the needle, and the pen divide,/Who sees her parents exult with joy/And the fond tear stand sparkling in their eyes. Wrought by Laura Murdock in her 12th/year Leominster August 1816. Retains original wood backing. 17 by 16 1/2  inches. (22 threads to the inch).

Skinner's, Bolton, Massachusetts, August, 1979

Somewhat faded.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Exhibited and Literature: LACMA, p. 59, fig. 17

The sampler worked by Laura Murdock is one of four known examples stitched under the direction of an unidentified schoolmistress who kept a school for girls in Leominster, Massachusetts, from at least 1806 to 1816.¹ Strikingly alike in format, these samplers display an uncommonly beautiful border and a center rectangle with canted corners, outlined with a strip of ivory-and-black satin stitches worked into diamonds. Three of the embroideries are inscribed with identical verses. Their inscriptions include the months of July or August, suggesting the mistress may have conducted her embroidery classes only during the summer.² Reminiscent of samplers worked in Plymouth during the 1820s and 1830s (figs. 19, 20), the innovative slanting corners of the innermost square allow greater emphasis to be placed on the deepened border space. This area was then handsomely embroidered with naturalistic leaves, stems, and flowers. The framing border of Laura's sampler has been employed to introduce a charming array of twisting vines, cabbage roses, variegated morning glories, violets, and pansies. A few carefully constructed details have faded, but close inspection reveals a pale bird with a long, sweeping tail, resting in one of the trees. Solidly embroidered black tent stitches form a band that delineates the inscription. This needlepointed strip, as it is called today, is a design technique that effectively uses color for emphasis within a given space. Abel Murdock, a painter, and Tabitha Moore were married in Winchendon, Massachusetts, in 1799. Two of their eight children were born there; Laura was born on August 18, 1804, in Leominster. ³ In 1827 she married Edward Snell of Boston, who was listed in the city directory of that year as a "chair maker." They had no children.⁴ Laura Murdock Snell died on July 13, 1835, in North Bridgewater, Worcester County, Massachusetts. ⁵

 

 

1. The other known Leominster samplers are those worked by Martha Lincoln, 1806 (ex-Kapnek collection; see Krueger, Gallery of American Samplers, 42), Maria Butier, 1809 (location unknown; see Sack brochure, 26, October 1, 1974, item 43), and Eliza Johnson, 1809 (private collection). Maria Butler's sampler was brought to my attention by Betty Ring. I am grateful for her kind assistance. 

2. The samplers of Maria Butier, Martha Lincoln, and Laura Murdock are inscribed with the same verse. Martha Lincoln's sampler was worked in July, 1806; Eliza Johnson and Maria Butler worked their samplers in July, 1809; and Laura Murdock, August, 1816. Details such as these help identify related samplers. 

3. Joseph B. Murdock, Murdock Genealogy (Boston, MA: e.e. Goodspeed and Co., 1925), 49, SO. 

4. Vital Records of Leominster, Massachusetts, to the End of the year 1849 (Worcester, MA: Franklin P. Rice, 1911),237. See also Boston City Directory, 1827 and 1830. 

5. Family Record Archives, Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Salt Lake City, UT.