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Two 18th century samplers, attributed to Burns family members

Key details

Object number
2023.10.2
On display
No

Description

Framed rectangular sampler, incorporating letters of the alphabet and flowers, birds, initials below coronets and indistinctly dated 1783 (?), 43.5 x 20.5 cm, the mount applied three handwritten note sections 'The dear sampler was my Grandmother's the Poet’s Mother J B B', 'To Mrs MacNaughton with the above pleasure (?) J B B' and 'Isabella Burns Begg'.

The reverse with a Scottish Exhibition, Glasgow, 1911 Palace of History label, Schedule number 807-1, Sender's Name: Rev Geo MacNaughton, Address: The Manse, Carsphairn, Galloway, Article Lent: Sampler sewn by the sister of Robert Burns 1783

Sampler said to have been completed by Isabella Burns (1771-1858), the sister of the poet Robert Burns. Displayed in the Palace of History at the 1911 Scottish Exhibition in Glasgow. It retained the labels from this exhibition on the frame.

Object information