Jane Stark

Scottish Samplers

Jane Stark

1815

Old Kilpatrick, Dunbarton

Description:

This piece is a good representative of the transition in Scottish samplers from pure band formatting to a more pictorial style. Jane's use of red thread in the top half of the sampler was a brilliant design choice - each band is very vibrant, especially when compared to the rather bland colour choices of the house section.

The very top band has five identical alphabets - after each alphabet a variety of numerals and familial initials complete each line. Note how appealing it is that the letters alternate between red and green. The next band is presented as a fully bordered cartouche; the border and text of which are stitched entirely in red silk. Her entire verse has been stitched in capital letters, but used as lower case sized except for a few words. Directlly above the house is a beautiful band of undulating carnations with both blooms and buds. Again, the red threads make this entire band just pop.

The house has four pillars and a blue roof with two chimneys. The fenced lawn is terraced, a fairly unusual depiction. Flanking the house on both sides are stands of trees, above which are oversized roses. Jane strategically placed her signature beneath the walled garden and surrounded the entire piece with a delicate strawberry border.

Familial initials: IS, MB, AS, AS, RS, AS, IS, RS, TS, AS, IS, IS, IB, IB, AB

Size (W x H): 13 x 14 3/4 inches

Stitches: Cross, four-sided, eyelet, double running, satin

Media: Silk on wool

Genealogy:

Jane was baptized "Jean" to John Stark, master joiner, and Marrion Burnside in Old Kilpatrick (near Glasgow), Dunbartonshire, 31 January 1803. Siblings included Alexander (1799), Andrew (1801), Robert (1806), John (1808), twins Agnes and Isobel (1811), and Alexander #2 (1819).

Jane married William Turnbull, a cotton factory manager on 26 April 1824. The couple had two children John (1827) and Marion (1829). Jane outlived her husband and died in November 1882 in Glasgow.

Verse:

REMEMBER THY CREATOR IN THE
DAYS OF THY YOUTH WHILE THE EVIL DA
YS COME NOT NOR THE YEARS DRAW NIGH
WHEN THOU SHALT SAY I HAVE NO PLEAS
URE IN THEM

IN THE DAY WHEN THE KEEPERS OF THE
HOUSE SHALL TREMBLE AND THE STRO
NG MEN SHALL BOW THEMSELVES AND
THE GRINDERS CEASE BECAUSE THEY
ARE FEW

Signature:
JANE STARK OLD KILPATRICK 1815

Click on samplers to view larger.
Visit our interactive map of samplers »

(This sampler was added to the site on February 15, 2013)