This woolen sampler is believed to be late 19th century and was of the type created by learners practicing their stitches, in this case Phoebe Lowell, a 16-year-old schoolgirl. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was advised at the time of her purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This sampler is a reminder of the tuition which schoolgirls routinely received in sewing and embroidery as these were considered essential skills for a future housewife.Piece of cream-colored woolen fabric hemmed with herringbone stitching. A circle and a square have been cut out and a larger circle and square have been sewn with herringbone stitches as a backing.On small cardboard piece sewn to sampler: 'Phoebe Lewell / Form 5 R / Age 16'female, lynne findlay collection, sampler, phoebe lowell

This hand-made doll's apron is believed to be late 19th century and was created using machine and hand stitching, by Phoebe Lowell, a 10-year-old schoolgirl. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was advised at the time of her purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This doll's apron is a reminder of the tuition which schoolgirls routinely received in sewing and embroidery as these were considered essential skills for a future housewife.Very small cream-colored doll's apron with waistband and buttonhole but no button. Pleat running along the width of the apron above the hemline. Decorative herringbone stitching.On small label accompanying piece, handwritten: 'Phoebe Lowell / Age 10 / Form II'female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, doll's apron

This hand-made baby bodice is believed to be late 19th century and was created using machine and hand stitching, by Phoebe Lowell, a 13-year-old schoolgirl. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was advised at the time of her purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This doll's apron is a reminder of the tuition which schoolgirls routinely received in sewing and embroidery as these were considered essential skills for a future housewife.White sleeveless cotton bodice with a one-button opening at the neck. Neckline and front opening are finished with double rows of top stitching. Arm openings finished with single lines of top stitching.On small label accompanying piece, handwritten: 'Phoebe Lowell / Form IV A / Age 13 years'female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, baby bodice