1937 Empire tabestry sampler for Wendy

This family treasure is a tabestry sampler done on linen by Gladys Sommerville between 1937 and 1945, for her great neice, my mother Wendy.

Gladys was a formidable woman!  She was briefly engaged in 1901 but the wedding did not proceed and family history does not relate why.  However, she went on to found a very sucessfully private boys preparatory school (which is still in operation today, celebrating 100 years in 2015).  She was a prolific needlewoman and we have a number of pieces she has made still in the family.

The sampler is big, measuring 51cm long by 40 cm wide.

The colours have faded considerably now, but were once very vibrant.

We are unsure whether she followed a pattern, or designed this piece herself.  The verse, which is very much of its time, reflecting the way New Zealanders saw themselves as a outpost of mother England, reads:

'For George VI our Emperor King,

the bells throughout the Empire ring,

In stitchery, we here record,

the crowning of our soverign lord

In his own realm he found his bride,

Beloved Queen, our country's pride,

Each daughter in her smiling face,

Shows childhoods most endearing grace.

Never since the world began

Came greater heritage to man

Empire and the motherland

In common cause together stand.

Peace from the cares of state

Once through the garden gate.

In camp the youths of Britain find,

the human touch, the kingly mind,

Good health unto their majesties

with honour, happiness and peace,

uncounted loyal subjects sing,

long may he reign, God Save the King!'

Images include Buckingham Palace, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, and the gate that lead into their personal garden, boy scout tents, a septre and orb, a beefeater guard, and my personal favourite,
a range of animals representing the various countries of the Commonwealth; elephant, kiwi, lion, kangaroo, springbok and a playpus!

The border is repeated images of oak leaf and acorn.

My mother remembers that during the war years, she would often read through the verses with her grandmother (Glady's sister) like a prayer. 

For much of my childhood it was on the wall in one of our toilets (away from the light)!  As a result, my sister and I memorised it in the many hours we spent hiding from doing the dishes, and as a result, could recite the verses from memory!

A companion piece, showing a map of the British Empire, was also made by Gladys, for Peter, my mother's twin brother.