Faith

During the 1800s, samplers were mostly made by girls, between the ages of 7 and 14. They were a way to practise their needlework skill, but also a way for children to demonstrate their Christian faith. This was often expressed through religious verses and imagery.

Sampler, Ann Fifield April, about 1830, Object number 0147

Saira uses perfume as part of her daily prayer routine at home in Waltham Forest, east London. This perfume was bought for her as a gift by a family member on a trip to Pakistan. The box is shaped like the Kaaba, the sacred site in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, toward which Muslims pray. 

Perfume bottle, 2016, Object number 4150

Emma, who is Jewish Orthodox, keeps a kosher kitchen and celebrates Shabbat each week at her home in north London. All the preparation, including cooking and cleaning has to be done before sunset on Friday. The way Emma cooks and prepares her food is carefully organised, including washing-up brushes and chopping boards in different colours.