Three Centuries of Historic Samplers

Now Whilst my Hands are Thus Employed – Three Centuries of Historic Samplers is an A4, 72-page, full-colour book including a wonderful range of beautiful samplers – possibly the book with the widest variety of the sampler genre. Quoting Rebecca Scott, “These exquisite pieces of childhood needlework come from all levels of society, from the affluent to the disadvantaged poor and the institutionalised orphan and from all corners of the British Isles.” A heavenly book…

I am naturally drawn to Witney Antiques, a remarkable gallery in Oxfordshire which has the largest collection of historic embroideries in Europe. I regard the owner, my friend Rebecca Scott, as the fount of all knowledge when talking about samplers and the history of this genre. Rebecca has collected samplers and other early embroideries for many years and is so knowledgeable. Although her soft back, full-colour books are originally designed to support exhibitions held at the gallery, they are amazing works. All her books are a joy and a must for the sampler lover.