Description:

This is primarily an alphabet sampler, but Robina has done a wonderful job on her version of the three-peaked building - which is minus the peaks! Our guess is that this was her concession to the allotted space. Her guard is not wearing red, but is carrying a staff. Notice the pair of dogs typical in this design. There are four sets of alphabets, two of which are the curlique font. In curlicue alphabets you see the letters 'Q' and 'X' done this way until the fourth quarter of the eighteenth century, they then evolve to the more modern format. All of the numbers are in green except for the final '61' in the completion date - we presume she added it at the very end with thread she had left.

Robina has been very generous with her family initials, presenting them in varied sizes (WO, EE, RM, IM, CS, IM, MH, MS, AB, AM, HL, EL, RL, KL, TC, AB, WC, AC, CC, IC, MC, HC, AL). The initials at the end of her second complete alphabet are her father's and at the end of the fourth alphabet are those of her mother.  

There is some water damage to the piece, as well as fraying at the edges, but has been stabilized and conserved. 

Size (W x H): 10 1/4 x 12 inches

Stitches: Cross, double running, reverse cross, long arm cross, eyelet, satin

Media: Silk and wool on linen

Genealogy:

The Lang family was an established family in Selkirk, Selkirkshire. Andrew Lang, a Writer, was born in 1712. He married Henrietta Chisholm 18 April 1741 in Selkirk. Henrietta was the widow of Robert Mercer, Commissioner Clerk of Selkirkshire, and the daughter of William Chisholm of Broadlee and Ann Rutherford (who was herself the daughter of the laird of Knowesouth.) The Lang's registered the births of five children: Isobel (1742), Henrietta (1743), John (1744), Robina (May 1747) and Katharine (1752-1789). Andrew accidentally drowned in the Ettrick River in 1753 leaving behind a very young family; daughter Katherine was only four months old. Mother Henrietta never remarried and lived until 1783.

Robina, who was also referenced as Jacobina, married the Reverend Thomas Robertsson/Robison (and other assorted spellings) in 1776. We can find no records for any children. Robina died as a widow in 1812 as her husband died in 1805.

Brother John became the Sheriff-clerk of Selkirkshire and married Jean Sibbald. They had a large family of four sons and four daughters. He died in 1805.

Verse:

ROBINA LANG
1761