Description:Linen background with coloured silk threads in eyeley hole, cross and Montenegran cross stitches. Alphabel and numerals, all within a floral border. Inscribed: 'Elizabeth Thirkkles work finished the 12 of May 1767 in the year 7 of her age.' From the Staffordshire County Collection. 451mm x 311mm.
Towards the end of the 18th century, samplers taught not only sewing but also literacy in the forms of alphabets, numerals and religious texts. These grew in importance and became an almost essential part of sampler making throughout the 19th century.