Gallatoun School SamplerThis sampler is dated 1879, and was embroidered by Jessie Alison. The National Census of two years later tells us a little more about the maker. Jessie was 16 when she embroidered this piece, and was the Head Master's daughter. Two years later she is listed in the census as a Pupil Teacher herself, and is still living at home with her parents, three brothers and two sisters. The initials on the sampler stand for her parents, Peter and Jessie Alison, and siblings. The initials in black on the sampler are probably of a deceased sibling. By comparing the sampler and the census it appears that at least one other sibling died, the last (and presumably youngest) AA does not appear on the census. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.
Sampler by Janet TaylorA sampler dated 1858, embroidered by Janet Taylor who was aged 13 at the time. Research is still ongoing, but the embroidered initials JT and BT may well provide a clue! Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.
Pathhead Simple Sewing SamplerProduced by Cecilia Burton in 1881, this is a nice example of the plain sewing skills which it was so important for young women to learn in this period. Looking at the census of the same year, we know that Cecilia lived at home (20 Back Street, Kirkcaldy) with her parents Charles (a linoleum mixer), mother Janet, and unmarried sister, also Janet, a Linen Factory Weaver. The family also had a lodger and house-guest at the time of the census. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See the whole sampler.
Sampler by Anne KennedySampler produced by Anne Kennedy in 1847. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.
Boak SamplerSampler produced by Barbara Boak in 1829. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.
Davidson SamplerSampler produced by N.K.H. Davidson in 1899. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.
Fleming SamplerSampler produced by Rachel Fleming. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.
Adam & Eve SamplerUnknown maker, sampler featuring figures of Adam & Eve. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.
Lawson SamplerSampler produced by Elizabeth Lawson. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.
Annie Tarvett SamplerThis piece was produced at a St Monan's Sewing School in Fife by Annie Tarvet, in 1871.  It is on loan to Simply Samplers from the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.
Janet Kinnear Sampler

Janet Kinnear produced this sampler when she was 11 years old, in 1842.  She gives not only her age, but the initials of her family and that she was living in 'Buckhaven, Fife Shire' .  From this information we have been able to trace her in the previous year's census, and know that she was living at home with her father (a joiner), mother, and five brothers. Collection of Fife Council Museums. See an enlargement.

Auchtertool Monitress SamplerDated 1860, embroidered with a quote from Luke XIX 10th.  Also 'Margaret Beattie the reward of good conduct as a monitress at the Auchtertool Female School ma 1860'.  Collection of Fife Council Museums.  See an enlargement.
Wright SamplerA simple sampler embroidered by Martha Wright, aged 7 years.  Some provenance is known for this sampler.  Martha was the daughter of Thomas Wright of St Martins, London.  She was born May 1814, married in 1844 (to a William Linton Fowler of Carnoustie), and died in 1911.  Collection of Fife Council Museums.  See an enlargement.
Isabella Wilkie SamplerEmbroidered by Isabella Wilkie of Newburgh, aged 9.  Collection of Fife Council Museums.  See an enlargement.
Sutherland SamplerThis sampler, dated 1831 is by Janet Sutherland, aged 10.  The genealogical information it contains is so detailed it was used in a court case in New Zealand.  A descendant of the embroiderer had emigrated there, and the sampler was used to help establish their family tree.  Collection of Fife Council Museums.  See an enlargement.
Paton SamplerThis sampler dates from 1797, and was embroidered by Helen Paton who was aged 10 years old.  Collection of Fife Council Museums.  See an enlargement.
Lawson SamplerThis sampler was embroidered by Elizabeth Lawson, who was aged 13 years at the time.  It probably dates from the period 1800 - 1830.  Collection of Fife Council Museums.  See an enlargement.