A Collection of Textile Sample Books. (18th & 19th Century) Sample books were extremely popular way for manufactures or seamstress to show of their wares. Most sample books began showing up in the 18th century when fabric weaving was becoming more commercial. These Sample books really took off during the Victorian era when the industrial revolution hit and bigger, more complex gowns came back into fashion again. | ↳ sources THE MET & V&A