Athelstaneford School Sampler

The word ‘sampler’ derives from the Latin ‘exemplum’, or the old French word 'essamplaire', meaning ‘an example’. The stitching of samplers was believed to be a sign of virtue, achievement and industry, and girls were taught the art from a young age. Samplers served a dual purpose: they taught a child basic embroidery techniques and also the alphabet and numbers.

This sampler was created by Agnes Jane Rennie of Athelstaneford School. Agnes was born in 1868 and was twelve when she created this sampler. She later married Charles Ritchie who taught in Pencaitland before the family emigrated to Australia in January 1914. Agnes died in 1937.

With thanks to Liz MacColl