Antique Victorian hand-stitched needlework sampler, believed to date from 1867.

A large and decorative example featuring embroidered alphabets, numbers, floral motifs, birds, urns, trees and a central Tree of Life design.

The upper section features the biblical inscription “God is love”, referencing 1 John 4:8.

The sampler also bears a heavily faded embroidered inscription, believed to read “Elizabeth Barren Neave”, with a possible date of 1867. The name and date are difficult to decipher due to fading and have not been independently verified.

Worked in muted blue, green, yellow and brown threads on a linen-like fabric, with decorative borders surrounding the design.

Presented in a glazed dark wooden frame.

Approximate overall dimensions: 32 × 63 cm.

Condition: Antique condition with considerable age-related fading, discolouration and wear, particularly around the central inscription. The embroidery remains largely intact visually, although some areas are extremely faint. The wooden frame also shows signs of age and use.

Please examine all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

An attractive example of Victorian needlework with traditional religious, botanical and bird motifs.