Louisa Coulimore - a Bristol Orphanage Sampler

Bristol orphanage samplers are particularly important as the orphanage kept meticulous records of each child, casting light onto the poverty and desperate social conditions that existed throughout Britain in the 19^th century. Today these records give us the opportunity to share Louisa’s story with you.

Louisa was born on July 4 1861 in Weymouth Dorset, the daughter of William Coulimore, a shoe maker,  and Louisa Beard. Her mother died in May 1867 of typhoid fever which was rife, particularly in Victorian industrial cities, due to infected water.

The chart includes five pages of historical information on Louisa and the Müller Orphanage, illustrated with photographs and orphange records.

 With our grateful thanks to Jacqueline Morris for stitching the model.

Louisa’s sampler is suitable for all levels. The model was stitched entirely in cross stitch over 2 threads with 2 skeins of Glorianna silk in Schoolhouse Red on 40ct Lakeside Linen vintage sand dune. Stitch count – 246(w) x 280(h).