We are particularly fond of antique samplers that depict large buildings that practically fill the entire work and have known of both English and American examples, generally made in the mid-19^th century. This is one of the most appealing of its genre, portraying a large, graphic brick building with detailed signage, windows and doors. The signs state that this was The Wheat Sheaf Inn, a Posting House and Family Inn. A posting house was an inn, generally rural, where horses were also kept and could be rented or changed out by a postmaster. Horses and drivers for private coaches were also made available for hire.

A classic sampler verse that reads, “Tell me ye knowing and Discerning few where / I may find a friend both Firm and true / who dare stand by me when in deep distress / and then is love and Friendship most exprs [expressed]” was worked in a lovely blue color above the building, almost as if referencing the sky. The border is a traditional sampler pattern of strawberries and leaves, these particular strawberries provide the perfect visual punctuation. The maker didn’t sign her work, lending it the feel of a needlework portrait of this particular inn and we could surmise that the maker was a daughter of the owners of this family business.

Worked in silk and wool on linen this is in excellent condition and has been conservation mounted into a mahogany frame.