Unique The earliest surviving samplers date back to the sixteenth century, where they were used as a personal reference for experienced or professional embroiderers. By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries however, when this example was made, samplers were increasingly being used as an educational tool for girls from all social backgrounds. Samplers also had an increasingly pictoral focus by this time, often framed with embroidered border patterns; the use of moralising texts and motifs also served as an expression of dutiful piety. This example was made by (G?)illan Collins in 1785, and includes two examples of the alphabet in various colours, as well as a religious text and motifs including flowers, hearts and diamonds. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries samplers were increasingly being used as an educational tool for girls from all social backgrounds. This sampler forms part of a total of fourteen examples donated to the Museum by Peter Orr, ranging in date from 1785-1886. Sampler with silk cross stitch on linen ground. Made by ((?)illian Collins in 1785. Silk cross stitch in brown, green, pink, cream and black on linen ground. The top section has letters of the alphabet in capital and then lower case, stitched and underlined in various colours. In the top centre of the sampler is the makers name ((G) illian Collins) and date (October 1785). in the lower half is a religious text, with each word stitched in a different colour. At the bottom of the sampler are heart, diamond and floral motifs.