Antique Ballooning Sampler, 1828, by Mary Ann Paine

Regency Hot Air Balloon Sampler, 1828, by Mary Ann Paine Aged 7. The sampler is worked in silk threads on a linen ground, mainly in cross stitch. Meandering leafy border. Colours red, blue, green, copper, silver, black and gold. Signed and dated, 'Mary Ann Paine Aged 7 years 1828'. A wonderful set of motifs, most notably including a figure of a young girl (possibly the maker) with hot air balloons either side of her. Ballooning captured the imagination of children during this period. It is thought that a local balloon sighting by a child would inspire them to stitch these motifs onto the sampler. The balloonist is most likely Charles Green, a pioneering British aeronaut, solidified his reputation as one of the leading balloonists of the 19th century. He performed several ascents in 1828, showcasing his innovative use of coal gas instead of hydrogen to inflate balloons, a method he had first introduced in 1821. One notable flight took place on July 19, 1828, from the Eagle Tavern Gardens in London. Other motifs include flowers, crowns, bees, birds and flower baskets. Framed in an old, possibly original, black, ebonised wood frame with rippled, old glass. Mounting: The sampler is on a paper backing laid on card. Frame backed with paper and sealed with tape.. Dimensions exclude the frame and slip.