Rachel Moxham

The Ackworth School of Yorkshire, England was founded in 1779 with the purpose of providing an education for Quaker children from less affluent families; it was expected that both male and female students would receive an education as well as skills that would help them to find work after they left the boarding school. The girls learned needlework, both plain and fine sewing, and many of the Ackworth school sampler patterns became hallmarks of excellent samplermaking throughout England and the United States.

One of the more intricate types of samplers that was developed at the Ackworth School is the geometric medallion sampler and this sampler made by Rachel Moxham in 1799 is an outstanding example. It’s filled with whole and half medallions, the largest one with a very graceful depiction of a swan and the center one featuring the classic aphorism, “A Token of Love.”

The school published the records of their students, A List of the Boys and Girls Admitted into Ackworth School During the 100 Years 1779 to 1879 (The Centenary Committee, Ackworth School, 1879), providing significant documentation. We were able to confirm that this samplermaker was Rachel Moxham who entered the school in 1795 and remained there through 1799. Rachel’s older sister, Esther, and younger brother, John, also attend Ackworth.

Rachel was born on January 7, 1786 to John and Jane (Gater) Moxham of Melksham, a town in Wiltshire on the River Avon; her birth was recorded by the Monthly Meeting of Wiltshire: Slaughterford. Those meeting records note that John was a bellows maker. Rachel seems to have remained single and died in 1868.

The sampler was worked in silk on wool. While much of it is in excellent condition, there is substantial loss due to some holes. It has been conservation mounted and stabilized and is in a 19th century rosewood frame.