A large number of people sit at tables inside a tent/marquee. The men are dressed in three piece suits with ties and the ladies have floor length dresses and most wear hats. Two men wear darkened glasses. Vines and flowers are strung around the two tent poles in the centre,, with one vine attaching both poles and holding a Christmas bell shape between them. On the tables sit cups and small plates, with larger empty plates possibly holding sandwiches or slices, suitable for a garden party event. No people have been identified, although in an associated letter, Phyl Matthews puts forth that that one man is not her grandfather.B/W photograph of group having tea inside a tentassociation for the advancement of the blind, phyllis matthews

aFramed portrait of William Paterson who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, from 1948-1952. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Paterson is dressed in a 3 piece gray suit, white shirt and wearing a blue tie and black hat. He sits outside a house reading a red coloured book, whilst in the background an elderly man takes a step out on to the gravelled driveway. Two women, one with a white cane, rest on chairs under the verendah of the building. The plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr William H. Paterson / President 1948-1952 / Association for Advancement of the Blind'. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr William H. Paterson / President 1948-1952 / Association for Advancement of the Blind'association for the advancement of the blind, william paterson

Framed portrait of William Quayle who was President of the Association for Advancement of the Blind in 1905. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Quayle sits on a wooden chair, wearing a gray three piece suit, white shirt and black bowtie. A small pink flower sits in his lapel and the chain from a fob watch is tucked into his waistcoat. Mr Quayle was born on the Isle of Mann, and the Manx Society of Victoria made a donation towards this painting, which was unveiled by his granddaughter. Coral Graham lent family portraits for the artist to construct this likeness.1 art original in brown frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr William Quayle / President 1905 / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.william quayle, association for the advancement of the blind

Framed portrait of David Robertson who was the first President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, from 1895-1899. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Robertson sits with his hands resting upon a wooden cane. He is wearing dark spectacles, a gray suit and waistcoat, white shirt with starched collar and pleated front, and a red and blue striped necktie. On his left lapel is a blue and red medal. David Robertson was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and was trained as a basket maker. He was one of eight foundation members of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia Foundation ) which was formed in 1895 in order to encourage blind people to manage their own affairs and build their self esteem. He was appointed the inaugural president and served as such from 1895 to 1899 and again in 1913 as well as acting as vice president from 1900 to 1902 and in 1911 and 1915. Known as a level headed and wise peacemaker he was elected chairman of the first interstate conference of blind people, which took place in Melbourne in 1913. From this evolved the Federal Council of Organizations of the Blind, which undertook to consider all matters affecting blind people. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'David Robertson / Inaugural President of / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind

37 pages of text with cardboard covernon-fictionBackground and overview of the establishment and work of the Association for the Blindassociation for the blind, association for the advancement of the blind

Framed portrait of Thomas Marks who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind 1900, 1935-1937. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Marks sits at a table, wearing black tails and pants, a white pleated dinner shirt and black evening dress bow-tie. One hand rests next to a cup and saucer, the other rests on his lap. Tom Marks was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. He was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia) at its establishment in 1895. He went on to serve as President of organisation in 1900 and was later appointed as a part time paid secretary – an office he occupied from 1904 to 1927. He again served as President from 1935 to 1937 during which time he celebrated his 80th birthday. As the living conditions of many blind people were deplorable at this time – they were often confined to a room or shed without any social contacts – it was realized that support for blind persons was needed to serve as a refuge for the oppressed, a home for the indigent, a rest home for the sick and a convalescent home to provide both respite care and permanent accommodation. Mr Marks had a reputiation of having good contacts and being able to use people with more knowledge than himself. An able musician, Tom Marks was often employed in the homes of wealthy families. As a result he met Mr and Mrs Grimwade who were already supporters of Vision Australia. They organized a gymkhana to raise money for the nucleus of a building fund. From this time Tom Marks was involved in the finances of the centres at Brighton, Ballarat and Bendigo, which were the ultimate result of the fund. He was also part of a team that negotiated the financial agreement between the RVIB and Vision Australia over fund raising and the allocation of money, which lasted from 1930 to 1939. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Thomas Marks / President 1900, 1935-1937/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, thomas marks

Letter to an unidentified Life Member asking for assistance in organising fundraising events to support Special Blind Appeal. The letter continues on to a second page, however this is missing. This is an example of a joint appeal between the RVIB and the AAFB, who usually preferred to work independently.1 photocopied letter with illustrations at topTop left hand corner is a lighthouse with the words 'Education and Maintenance of Blind Children, Industrial Professional Training Etc of Blind Adults, Homes Etc for Aged and Infirm Blind' written on the tower. The light that shines towards a female child and an adult male who are both wearing blindfolds, contains the wording 'Special 50,000 (pound) appeal for the Blind Children & Adults of Victoria". To immediate left of the people is written "Blind/and seeking the light/your generous donation will help them find it'. To the right of the rocks upon the which the lighthouse stands "Kindly address donations Hon. Treas. of Blind Appeal, The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Cr. Harold Luxton M.L.A., Town Hall, Melbourne". Underneath the lighthouse against the left edge of the paper "Institutes participating in this appeal - The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind - these organisations care for the blind of Victoria from the cradle to the grave. Please address all correspondence S.W,. Hedger, Secretary Blind Appeal, Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, St Kilda Road, Prahran, S.1. Vic, Phone W 6500. Blind Appeal Enquiry Office: Nicholas Building, 5th Floor Swanston Street, Melbourne, Phone F 6418."royal victorian institute for the blind, association for the advancement of the blind, fundraising

Rectangular paper stamp with a dark blue background and white graphics and print. Graphic consists of a lantern. with beams of light extending outwards. Marked: On front: "PRICE THREEPENCE / ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE BLIND / Homes & Help.Rectangular postage stamp with white lantern streaming light against blue backgroundAssociation for the Advancement of the Blind Homes & Help Send donations to 10 Queen St Melbourne C1association for the advancement of the blind, fundraising

Framed portrait of George Maxwell who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind 1920-1935. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Maxwell is turned slightly away from the viewer, and wears a blue suit, white high collared shirt and a blue tie. George Maxwell was President of Vision Australia from 1920 to 1935. After an early teaching career he studied law, was admitted to the Bar and became one of Victoria’s great criminal lawyers and later a Federal Member of Parliament. He took an interest the welfare of blind people from his student days. A detached retina in 1920 led to total blindness nine years later, which gave him a great empathy for those with a similar affliction. Through his contacts he was also instrumental in obtaining the first voting rights for blind Australians. Up until 1902 blind people were unable to vote if they couldn’t write with a pen. George Maxwell was working at that time at the legal firm of Strongman and Crouch one of the partners, Mr. Crouch, was elected as a member of Parliament. When the Commonwealth Electoral Bill was being drafted, Mr. Crouch has a clause added enabling blind people to vote in Federal elections, constituting a world first. But perhaps his greatest achievement was obtaining the pension for legally blind people. Until 1910 only those who met the age and means test criteria were eligible. With the help of his legal and political friends a bill was passed which granted the pension to all persons over 16 years of age who were unable to work due to physical disability or blindness. Until this time these people had to be supported by their families or go to a benevolent institution. This was a world first and gave to blind and vision impaired people a measure of independence which increased both their self reliance and self esteem. 1 art original in gold/brown frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Honourable George A Maxwell Q.C. / President 1920-1935 / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.association for the advancement of the blind, george maxwell

Framed portrait of Tilly Aston who began the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, a forerunner to the Association for the Blind. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Tilly sits with one hand resting against a table, and the other in her lap. She is wearing a black collared dress with a white lace neck ruff held with an opal pin. Two medals (the Jubilee medal and Coronation medal) are pinned to the chest, each consisting of a red and white bowtie with a brass medallion. Tilly Aston was born in Carisbrook, Victoria, in 1873. When she was very young her parents noticed she was having problems with her vision. They took her to a doctor who diagnosed her with no sight in her right eye and the prognosis of loss of vision in the left eye. As a result of this she was totally blind by the age of 7. Despite this her parents endeavoured to give Tilly as many of life’s advantages that their limited means could supply. From an early age she was taught singing, music, poetry, arithmetic, encouraged to read and observe the natural world around her and be independent. At the age of 8 she was sent to the Asylum and School for the Blind (later called the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind). She excelled in a wide range of subjects and matriculated in 1889. With the help of a public fund was able to attend Melbourne University, being the first blind Australian to do so. Unfortunately the lack of Braille text books made it impossible for Tilly to continue her studies and she left in second year. Tilly was determined that other blind people would not have the same negative experience she had had. In 1894 she organised a meeting to form the Victorian Association of Braille Writers with the aim of producing and supplying Braille to blind Victorians. Braille was produced by trained volunteers with ? recruited in the first six month. Other rights and services for blind people remained very limited. In 1895 Tilly organised a meeting, which formed the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia). The Association was instrumental in obtaining many benefits for blind people including a blind pension, voting rights and transport concessions. It also established the first nursing homes for blind people, at a time when many blind people were homeless and destitute. Tilly went on to be Australia’s first blind teacher. She was also a very talented musician, author of seven books and was very gifted at arts and crafts. She knew Esperanto and corresponded with people all around the world including Helen Keller. Tilly passed away on November 1st 1947. Her legacy continues through the work Vision Australia which provides services for thousands of blind Australians. A memorial bell dedicated to her is also situated in the King Domain Gardens. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Miss Matilda (Tilly) A. Aston / President 1904, 1910, 1943 to 1947/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, association for the blind, tilly aston

Association for Advancement of the Blind picnic on Saturday November 6, 1943 1 - Handwritten note, "Pole Number 102 - Blind association sports ground. 2 - Letter from GR Fowler, General Secretary, Association for Advancement of the Blind to Superintendent of Traffic, Malvern Depot, advising of picnic to be held at club house in Glenferrie Rd Kooyong. About 300 blind people to attend, mostly by tram.trams, tramways, instructions, events, malvern depot

A series of handbills produced to advertise upcoming concerts for the Blind Variety Entertainers, who toured around the state raising funds for the Association for the Advancement of the Blind. Combining comedy, songs, impersonations, acrobatics and musical interludes, these performers toured annually and visited various regional towns across the state of Victoria.1 rectangular white handbill with red and blue text with blue illustrationFriday January 23 Association for the Advancement of the Blind and Home for Adult Blind, Brighton Beach Presents The Blind Variety Entertainers The Most Popular Company now on tour A Unique Combination of Comedy and Classics It's a Show you cannot afford to miss Box Planassociation for the blind, marketing

Carbon copy of a letter to State Savings Bank of Victoria accompanying copy of agreement between the Trustees of the Kooyong Club House and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, requesting that the same is returned after perusal.1 single sheet of typed paperA female dressed in a loose gown holds a lantern from which the words 'Association', 'Advancement', 'of the Blind' and 'For the' are written in the rays coming from it. Below her feet are the words "Light of the Blind". 'Founded 1895' is written below the lantern, whilst in the top right hand corner is filled with: Homes at Brighton Beach Bendigo Hostels at South Yarra Windsor Offices: MU 4189 118 Queen Street, Melbourne C.1. All communications to be addressed to Secretary. Below the female figure, in the lower left hand side of the page: President: Miss Tilly Aston General Secretary: G.R. Fowler Objects: To promote the welfare of the Blind intellectually, physically and socially. To grant financial assistance in cases of necessity. To provide permanent or convalescent Homes and Hostels of an unsectarian character for the Blind. To visit the Blind.association for the advancement of the blind, kooyong club house

Since the founding of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind in 1895, an annual report has been produced detailing the work undertaken by the association during the year.1 volume of various pagings, illustrations.

To honour the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Association for the Blind (then Association for the Advancement of the Blind), sister organisation Seimei Association for the Aged Blind sent this plaque.1 digital image of metal letter to AFB from Seimei Association for the Welfare of the Aged BlindMr John Moule President Association for the Blind In celebration of the Centenary of The Association for the Blind. A Seed of Love planted one century ago has grown to the commendable and universal Association for which I pay my hearty respect. I feel honored of our Sisterhood Agreement which marks the 10th Anniversary this year and wish this agreement of our mutual reliance will enrich advanced care and services for the blind and also to develop mutual friendships between two countries. 8th December 1995 Akio Honma President Director The Seimei Association for The Welfare of the Aged Blind, Tokyo (Japanese characters)seimei association for the welfare of aged blind inc., association for the blind

Letter to the Association for the Advancement of the Blind from Mrs Emma I Parkins (of 1498 Malvern Road, Glen Iris) suggesting a way to raise funds. The original handwritten letter is also held.1 brown envelope, 4 pages of handwritten letter and 2 typed page transcript of handwritten letterassociation for the blind, fundraising