Sampler made at the British and Foreign School Society

Sampler made at the British and Foreign School Society

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This small sampler worked with the alphabet in upper and lower case, as well as number 1 through 9, represents the tenth lesson in the "Manual of the System of Teaching Needlework in the Elementary Schools of The British and Foreign School Society," published in 1821. This educational society was founded by Quaker Joseph Lancaster (1778–1838) out of concern for the lack of educational opportunities available to poorer children, particularly those whose families not members of the Church of England. Small samplers such as this are preserved in these manuals, and were also made into objects such as pincushions that were sold to raise funds for the school. A complete example of this manual, dating from 1821, is also preserved in the Museum’s collection (accession number 43.63).

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sampler made at the British and Foreign School SocietySampler made at the British and Foreign School SocietySampler made at the British and Foreign School SocietySampler made at the British and Foreign School SocietySampler made at the British and Foreign School Society

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.