The Sunday Scribblings prompt is"collector personality." But you've already read quite a bit about my collections of everything from Madonna crowns and religious icons to books. So I thought I'd venture further afield (plus I have a raging migraine and can't sit at the computer longer than strictly necessary). These photographs are of a small portion of the extensive collection "From the Cradle to the Grave" at the Castle Museum, York, England. Christening gifts, handmade lace gowns, baby bunting, cradles and bassinets are among the "cradle" section of the exhibit.
York School student samplers circa 1785 by Ann and Rachel Nevins.
An English sampler from 1788.
Sisters made these samplers featuring verse in 1845 and 1834. Click photos to view detail.
these samplers are just great. i have a few books of antique samplers and i just love the stream of conciousness stitching on some of them! great post.
Posted by: designdna | 21 September 2007 at 02:43
I know ALL about migraines Tara. I hope you feel better soon. :) I've been catching up with blogs and enjoyed all your posts. Thinking of you in a hammock on a secluded beach under the shade of a tree. :) XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 20 September 2007 at 18:36
so precious!
Posted by: bella | 17 September 2007 at 05:20
Such unique items.
Your eye is phenomenal.
Thank you for allowing me to see what you see.
Take care,
Frances
Posted by: Frances | 17 September 2007 at 04:38
These are sort of ghostly images. Angels and babies. Life and death and needlework.
Posted by: colleen | 16 September 2007 at 23:36
Those are amazing photos. You always treat us to beautiful things.
Posted by: gautami | 16 September 2007 at 20:12
So sorry about the raging headache. I hope it's diminished by now. And how wonderful that you were still able to do such a divine post!
Posted by: patois | 16 September 2007 at 18:11
I really enjoyed this tour. The samplers are exquisite. It got me wondering if they made such a fuss (I mean that in a good way) because of the high infant mortality at the time.
Hope your migraine is abating. xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 16 September 2007 at 17:31
Those are stunning. You have beautiful taste, but that hardly comes as a surprise.
Posted by: Herb | 16 September 2007 at 17:22
What beauty, elegance and glamour and a sense of time. Thank you Tara.
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 16 September 2007 at 13:58
Wow, amazing pictures, and what a wonderfully eclectic blog you have.
Hope the headache gets better...I get migraines whenever the weather turns.
Posted by: MissMeliss | 16 September 2007 at 06:41
Your photos have made me realize why I love looking at collections: I learn so much by having different items in a group placed near each other. The comparisons and contrasts are so eye opening.
Posted by: KG | 16 September 2007 at 06:14
What a collection, thanks for sharing, great photographs!
I have a headache today as well. Hope that you're back to perfect health asap.
All the best~ Robyn
Posted by: robyn | 16 September 2007 at 03:37
The photos are lovely - what an interesting, historical collection.
Sending get well wishes your way, Tara - hope you feel better soon! xoxo
Posted by: tinker | 16 September 2007 at 03:00
Exquisite photographs and content!
Posted by: Tumblewords | 16 September 2007 at 02:57
Those garments and samplers and sets are just beyond description. I'm such a non-collector that I really like going to exhibits and marvel at the people who enjoy it and keep everything straight, where as in real life it bores me to tears to do it.
Posted by: Mary T. | 16 September 2007 at 00:13
WOW, is all I can say. The dolls with white faces speak to me. I guess one grows into their unique features and face.
Posted by: rochambeau | 15 September 2007 at 23:35
Maybe a change in the weather brought your headache. Yikes. I hope it soon goes on it's merry way!!!
Rest, dark room, quiet.
***
The Christening gowns are amazing! Lovely collection there. You photographed it well.
***
Mail birdies are a flappin their wings frantically across the Atlantic to your Parisienne door as we speak.
xo
Blue
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 15 September 2007 at 22:59
i just love the samplers. here in the netherlands we also have the tradition of making these samplers, staying within families and passed on by generations. sometimes becoming antique collectable items and museum pieces and very valuable like the ones you photographed.
Posted by: marita | 15 September 2007 at 21:35
I wondered how you would approach this prompt knowing you share your collections regularly. These are beautiful photos of cradles and babes, though I have to admit that faceless dolls creep me out. :)
I hope your migraine is going away.
Posted by: awareness | 15 September 2007 at 21:16
What a lovely museum that must be. I don't remember that from when I last visited York, is it a new collection?
I hope your migraine passes quickly. I was completely debilitated by a headache yesterday so I feel your pain, literally.
Posted by: Robin from Israel | 15 September 2007 at 19:52
That was so much fun...thank you. I hope you feel better soon.
Posted by: JO | 15 September 2007 at 19:47
How gorgeous and special is everything you share.
I especially love the baby stuff.
Love Jeanne ^j^
Posted by: Jeanne | 15 September 2007 at 18:15
oh tara...thank you for sharing even with a migraine...i m sending you warm hugs as soft medicine for your head...i love the collections...feel better...blessings, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | 15 September 2007 at 17:18
I am mostly loving that artwork behind the Christening Gifts! :)
Posted by: artzyjudie | 15 September 2007 at 15:09
You never cease to amaze me with the beauty you share with us. The dresses and the cradles are lovely and the samplers amaze me to have that talent and patience is truly a gift!
XOX
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen R | 15 September 2007 at 15:06