The history of spectacles The earliest form of spectacles are generally agreed to have been invented in Northern Italy in the thirteenth century. Over hundreds of years of innovation and refinement, they have been perfected into the stylish and functional designs you see today worn by millions of people to correct their eyesight. Here's a look at the key moments that defined the history of spectacles. Thirteenth century - Rivet spectacles The earliest form of spectacles was simply two mounted lenses riveted together at the handle ends. They had no sides and were secured to the face by clamping the nose between the rims, some of which had notches which may have been intended to improve the grip. Even then the wearer could only keep them in place by remaining relatively still and would normally support them with the hand. These spectacles contained convex lenses for the correction of presbyopic long-sightedness and were generally suited only to those few who lived beyond their forties and had the ability to read. Sixteenth century - Nose spectacles Nose spectacles were in more common use by the early sixteenth century. These often had a bow-shaped continuous bridge, almost of a modern appearance, that was sometimes flexible depending upon the material, for example leather or whalebone. The bridge was as much an area to be gripped as to rest on the nose. Spectacles were still usually held in place with the hand whilst being used temporarily for a brief period of reading or close inspection. By now the lenses could be used to correct both long and short sight. The general design changed little through the seventeenth century, though certain refinements increased the flexibility and comfort for some wearers. In some localised areas, notably in Spain, people experimented with ear loops made of string. This allowed them to walk around with their spectacles on. Eighteenth century - Temple glasses Only in the eighteenth century did the first modern eyewear, or ‘glasses’ as we would understand them, start to appear. The lenses might be glass, rock crystal or any other transparent mineral substance and were prone to smashing if the spectacles fell off, so there was an impetus to develop frames that could be worn continuously and would stay in place. London optician Edward Scarlett is credited with developing the modern style of spectacles which were kept in place with arms, known as ‘temples’. These were made of iron or steel and gripped the side of the head but did not yet hook over the ears because often the ears were concealed beneath a powdered wig, such as was fashionable at the time. As temples developed they were made with wide ring ends through which the wearer could pass a ribbon, thus tying the spectacles securely to the head. As spectacles were no longer primarily for use in sedentary activities, people began to be noticed out and about in their spectacles and might come to be identified as a ‘spectacle wearer’. By the end of the eighteenth century, people who needed correction for both distance and near could choose bifocals. Nineteenth century - Pince-nez Pince-nez were a nineteenth century innovation that literally translates as ‘pinching the nose’. They had a spring clip to retain the item in place under its own tension. Sometimes this clip was too tight and the wearer struggled to breathe. If it was too loose the pince-nez could fall off so, for safety and security, they were often connected to the wearer's clothing by a cord or a chain to avoid them being dropped or lost. Pince-nez were sometimes chosen by people who felt that large spectacles were too prominent and drew attention to a physical defect. They were also suitable for mounting lenses that could correct astigmatism. Twentieth century spectacles Spectacle wearing continued to become more widespread, key developments being the supply of spectacles to troops in the First World War, cheaper spectacles being subsidised through insurance schemes arranged by friendly societies, and the beginning of the National Health Service in 1948, when free spectacles were made available to all who might benefit from them. This normalised spectacle wearing and led to a significant increase in the scale of production. Entirely separate categories of women’s spectacles and sports eyewear both emerged in the 1930s. The latter half of the twentieth century saw spectacles become more fashionable and stylish as frames with different shapes, materials, and colours became available. Plastics frames, in particular, allowed a greater choice of colours and textured finishes. Plastic lenses were more durable and could be made lighter and thinner than glass, spurring a renewed interest in rimless designs. Designer eyewear bearing popular high-street brand names encouraged patients to regard spectacles as a desirable commodity, even as a fashion accessory, not just a disability aid. https://www.college-optometrists.org/the-british-optical-association-museum/the-history-of-spectacles The company Optical Prescription Spectacle Makers (OPSM ) was formed in Sydney in 1932 and publically listed in 1953. These spectacles and case were used by Dr. Angus when testing patients' eyes. The spectacles and case were donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was physician, surgeon and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as new Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he would take time to further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) Dr Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928 . The organisation began in South Australia through the Presbyterian Church in that year, with its first station being in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr Angus returned to Nhill where he’d previously worked as Medical Assistant and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital from Dr Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what was once Dr Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr L Middleton was House Surgeon to the Nhill Hospital 1926-1933, when he resigned. [Dr Tom Ryan’s practice had originally belonged to his older brother Dr Edward Ryan, who came to Nhill in 1885. Dr Edward saw patients at his rooms, firstly in Victoria Street and in 1886 in Nelson Street, until 1901. The Nelson Street practice also had a 2 bed ward, called Mira Private Hospital ). Dr Edward Ryan was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1884-1902 . He also had occasions where he successfully performed veterinary surgery for the local farmers too. Dr Tom Ryan then purchased the practice from his brother in 1901. Both Dr Edward and Dr Tom Ryan work as surgeons included eye surgery. Dr Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He too was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1902-1926. Dr Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr Tom Ryan gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr Ryan. Dr Tom Ryan moved from Nhill in 1926. He became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1927, soon after its formation, a rare accolade for a doctor outside any of the major cities. He remained a bachelor and died suddenly on 7th Dec 1955, aged 91, at his home in Ararat. Scholarships and prizes are still awarded to medical students in the honour of Dr T.F. Ryan and his father, Dr Michael Ryan, and brother, John Patrick Ryan. ] When Dr Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery states “HOURS Daily, except Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons, 9-10am, 2-4pm, 7-8pm. Sundays by appointment”. This plate is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Tom Ryan had an extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926 and when Dr Angus took up practice in their old premises he obtained this collection, a large part of which is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. During his time in Nhill Dr Angus was involved in the merging of the Mira Hospital and Nhill Public Hospital into one public hospital and the property titles passed on to Nhill Hospital in 1939. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. ). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr Angus had his own silk worm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (The duties of a Port Medical Officer were outlined by the Colonial Secretary on 21st June, 1839 under the terms of the Quarantine Act. Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital 1939-1942, He served as a Surgeon Captain during WWII 1941-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering in artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist to Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr Angus was elected member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life Dr Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eye witness from the late 1880’s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. Their interests included organisations such as Red Cross, Rostrum, Warrnambool and District Historical Society (founding members), Wine and Food Society, Steering Committee for Tertiary Education in Warrnambool, Local National Trust, Good Neighbour Council, Housing Commission Advisory Board, United Services Institute, Legion of Ex-Servicemen, Olympic Pool Committee, Food for Britain Organisation, Warrnambool Hospital, Anti-Cancer Council, Boys’ Club, Charitable Council, National Fitness Council and Air Raid Precautions Group. He was also a member of the Steam Preservation Society and derived much pleasure from a steam traction engine on his farm. He had an interest in people and the community He and his wife Gladys were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Spectacles and case, from the W.R. Angus Collection and used by Dr. Angus testing the sight of his patients. Metal case covered in red leather, black velvet lining. Tan rimmed spectacles. Maker is OPSM. Inscriptions on case, inside case and on spectacle rim.Inscribed on spectacle arms “CONTORA”. Inscription on case in gold print “OPSM Optical Prescription Spectacle Makers Pty Ltd”. Inscription on white oval label inside case is illegible. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, dr w r angus, spectacles and case, optical testing, optometrist examination, opsm optical prescription spectacle makers

The history of spectacles The earliest form of spectacles are generally agreed to have been invented in Northern Italy in the thirteenth century. Over hundreds of years of innovation and refinement, they have been perfected into the stylish and functional designs you see today worn by millions of people to correct their eyesight. Here's a look at the key moments that defined the history of spectacles. Thirteenth century - Rivet spectacles The earliest form of spectacles was simply two mounted lenses riveted together at the handle ends. They had no sides and were secured to the face by clamping the nose between the rims, some of which had notches which may have been intended to improve the grip. Even then the wearer could only keep them in place by remaining relatively still and would normally support them with the hand. These spectacles contained convex lenses for the correction of presbyopic long-sightedness and were generally suited only to those few who lived beyond their forties and had the ability to read. Sixteenth century - Nose spectacles Nose spectacles were in more common use by the early sixteenth century. These often had a bow-shaped continuous bridge, almost of a modern appearance, that was sometimes flexible depending upon the material, for example leather or whalebone. The bridge was as much an area to be gripped as to rest on the nose. Spectacles were still usually held in place with the hand whilst being used temporarily for a brief period of reading or close inspection. By now the lenses could be used to correct both long and short sight. The general design changed little through the seventeenth century, though certain refinements increased the flexibility and comfort for some wearers. In some localised areas, notably in Spain, people experimented with ear loops made of string. This allowed them to walk around with their spectacles on. Eighteenth century - Temple glasses Only in the eighteenth century did the first modern eyewear, or ‘glasses’ as we would understand them, start to appear. The lenses might be glass, rock crystal or any other transparent mineral substance and were prone to smashing if the spectacles fell off, so there was an impetus to develop frames that could be worn continuously and would stay in place. London optician Edward Scarlett is credited with developing the modern style of spectacles which were kept in place with arms, known as ‘temples’. These were made of iron or steel and gripped the side of the head but did not yet hook over the ears because often the ears were concealed beneath a powdered wig, such as was fashionable at the time. As temples developed they were made with wide ring ends through which the wearer could pass a ribbon, thus tying the spectacles securely to the head. As spectacles were no longer primarily for use in sedentary activities, people began to be noticed out and about in their spectacles and might come to be identified as a ‘spectacle wearer’. By the end of the eighteenth century, people who needed correction for both distance and near could choose bifocals. Nineteenth century - Pince-nez Pince-nez were a nineteenth century innovation that literally translates as ‘pinching the nose’. They had a spring clip to retain the item in place under its own tension. Sometimes this clip was too tight and the wearer struggled to breathe. If it was too loose the pince-nez could fall off so, for safety and security, they were often connected to the wearer's clothing by a cord or a chain to avoid them being dropped or lost. Pince-nez were sometimes chosen by people who felt that large spectacles were too prominent and drew attention to a physical defect. They were also suitable for mounting lenses that could correct astigmatism. Twentieth century spectacles Spectacle wearing continued to become more widespread, key developments being the supply of spectacles to troops in the First World War, cheaper spectacles being subsidised through insurance schemes arranged by friendly societies, and the beginning of the National Health Service in 1948, when free spectacles were made available to all who might benefit from them. This normalised spectacle wearing and led to a significant increase in the scale of production. Entirely separate categories of women’s spectacles and sports eyewear both emerged in the 1930s. The latter half of the twentieth century saw spectacles become more fashionable and stylish as frames with different shapes, materials, and colours became available. Plastics frames, in particular, allowed a greater choice of colours and textured finishes. Plastic lenses were more durable and could be made lighter and thinner than glass, spurring a renewed interest in rimless designs. Designer eyewear bearing popular high-street brand names encouraged patients to regard spectacles as a desirable commodity, even as a fashion accessory, not just a disability aid. https://www.college-optometrists.org/the-british-optical-association-museum/the-history-of-spectacles These spectacles and case from F.G. and R.G. Bennett of Warrnambool were used by Dr. Angus to test his patients' eye sight. They were donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was physician, surgeon and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as new Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he would take time to further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) Dr Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928 . The organisation began in South Australia through the Presbyterian Church in that year, with its first station being in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr Angus returned to Nhill where he’d previously worked as Medical Assistant and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital from Dr Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what was once Dr Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr L Middleton was House Surgeon to the Nhill Hospital 1926-1933, when he resigned. [Dr Tom Ryan’s practice had originally belonged to his older brother Dr Edward Ryan, who came to Nhill in 1885. Dr Edward saw patients at his rooms, firstly in Victoria Street and in 1886 in Nelson Street, until 1901. The Nelson Street practice also had a 2 bed ward, called Mira Private Hospital ). Dr Edward Ryan was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1884-1902 . He also had occasions where he successfully performed veterinary surgery for the local farmers too. Dr Tom Ryan then purchased the practice from his brother in 1901. Both Dr Edward and Dr Tom Ryan work as surgeons included eye surgery. Dr Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He too was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1902-1926. Dr Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr Tom Ryan gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr Ryan. Dr Tom Ryan moved from Nhill in 1926. He became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1927, soon after its formation, a rare accolade for a doctor outside any of the major cities. He remained a bachelor and died suddenly on 7th Dec 1955, aged 91, at his home in Ararat. Scholarships and prizes are still awarded to medical students in the honour of Dr T.F. Ryan and his father, Dr Michael Ryan, and brother, John Patrick Ryan. ] When Dr Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery states “HOURS Daily, except Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons, 9-10am, 2-4pm, 7-8pm. Sundays by appointment”. This plate is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Tom Ryan had an extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926 and when Dr Angus took up practice in their old premises he obtained this collection, a large part of which is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. During his time in Nhill Dr Angus was involved in the merging of the Mira Hospital and Nhill Public Hospital into one public hospital and the property titles passed on to Nhill Hospital in 1939. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. ). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr Angus had his own silk worm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (The duties of a Port Medical Officer were outlined by the Colonial Secretary on 21st June, 1839 under the terms of the Quarantine Act. Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital 1939-1942, He served as a Surgeon Captain during WWII 1941-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering in artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist to Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr Angus was elected member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life Dr Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eye witness from the late 1880’s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. Their interests included organisations such as Red Cross, Rostrum, Warrnambool and District Historical Society (founding members), Wine and Food Society, Steering Committee for Tertiary Education in Warrnambool, Local National Trust, Good Neighbour Council, Housing Commission Advisory Board, United Services Institute, Legion of Ex-Servicemen, Olympic Pool Committee, Food for Britain Organisation, Warrnambool Hospital, Anti-Cancer Council, Boys’ Club, Charitable Council, National Fitness Council and Air Raid Precautions Group. He was also a member of the Steam Preservation Society and derived much pleasure from a steam traction engine on his farm. He had an interest in people and the community He and his wife Gladys were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Spectacles and case, from the W.R. Angus Collection and used by Dr. Angus testing the sight of his patients. Metal case covered in blue leather, blue velvet lining. Orange/yellow rimmed spectacles, one lens covered with cardboard. White oval label inside case. Inscription on case with maker’s details in gold print.Inscription on case reads “F. G. & R. G. BENNETT / WARRNAMBOOL”. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, dr w r angus, spectacles and case, optical testing, optometrist examination, f.g. and r.g. bennett of warrnambool

The pages of written text cover everything the RSL does from welfare, commemorative, legal aid, membership, women's auxiliary and housing to name a few. Bert Pollard was an active RSL Member involved in Committee and the District Board. He served in WW2.Diary black plastic covers with gold text on front cover, top has the RSL logo followed by "Serving Still - 1969 - Victorian Branch", inside first page are details re Anzac House Melbourne, there are 28 pages of written text, page for members personal details, 4 blank pages for notes, the Calendar itself folds out for viewing and to enter notes, last page has a 12 month calendar. "Bert Pollard, phone 5433741"brsl, smirsl, diary

The Grinton Collection. Group paddling, life after 1919. Refer - Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service details.Photograph framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicting a group of women and children paddling along a grassy riverbank with trees in the background. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 6: Life after 1919". "E. Paddling".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. Unknown French Family. Refer Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a group portrait of five civilians, two women standing and boy, women and man seated in front. Background exterior building wall and window. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 2: Burden of War". "K. Group portrait of five French civilians."framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, 'grinton

The Grinton Collection. Photo taken on leave in Scotland. JACK GRINTON. Refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history. "M. Bert with two family friends" "BERT GRINTON No. 5024". 38th Bn. Refer Cat No. 1320P for his Service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a family group of two women and one man (Bert Grinton) standing together in the corner of a brick building. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 3: Trip of a Lifetime" "M. Bert with two family friends". framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton.

Photo taken at the Grinton home at Tragowel near Kerang in 1919. JACK GRINTON. Refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history. BERT GRINTON No. 5024 38th Bn - Refer to Cat No. 1320P for service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts an informal group portrait of two men and four women; two women seated. 3rd left, Bert Grinton. Background - verandah of timber house with a "WELCOME" banner suspended from verandah posts. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 6: Life after 1919". "C. Welcome Home". framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

This comb appears to be made of some sort of bone so would date from early in the 20th century. It has fairly coarse teeth and was probably used by a woman with long thick hair. The provenance of this item is unknown but it is of interest as an example of a woman’s hair comb from times past.This is a yellow bone hair comb with 37 tapering teeth.women’s accessories, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This is a needle case produced in a novelty form. Sewing kits and needle cases were essential items for women to have in their houses, to take with them when travelling and to carry in their handbags for emergency repairs. Today needle cases are still used but less frequently as in past times, depending on the craft skills of the person and the hobbies pursued.This item has no known local significance but it is an interesting example of an early 20th century needle case and is retained for display purposes.This is a needle case in a wooden container made in a rectangular shape with a pointed top. The shape is in the form of a church with an affixed metal or paint shape of a church on the front of the container. The front of the container has been polished. The two sides of the container are affixed with two metal hinges and there is a metal clasp on one side. Part of the metal clasp is missing. Inside the container is padded with white/grey cotton material. On one side are two paper grey and black folders which once contained needles and on the other side there is a middle band to hold other needles or pins. This side has one rusty pin.‘Sharps 5/9 6, 7, Wartd. By Morris & Yeomans’household accessories, history of warrnambool

These gloves were donated by Miss E. Kerr of Warrnambool and were probably worn by her. The Ponting family has been prominent in the timber and building business in Warrnambool since the 1920s and still operate today. Miss Kerr was a member of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society in the 1970s and donated many items, especially household goods. Many women in the early to mid 20th century owned leather gloves which they wore mostly with suits and coats in the winter time. They can still be purchased today. These gloves are of interest as an example of the type of gloves worn by women in the 20th century. They will be useful for display.These gloves are made of a light brown leather. They have a leather string lace inserted as a decorative pattern on the wrist openings and the same lacing on the upper sides of the gloves but in this area the leather string is missing. The gloves have been much worn and are stained. women’s accessories, history of warrnambool

This hat pin stand would have been a common object in a woman’s bedroom in the past, especially about the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century when women wore large hats and they needed large pins to hold them in place. This hat pin holder has no known local provenance but it is kept as a memento of the past and will be useful for display.This is a silver-coloured metal stand with a round base with impressed patterns on the top and a central raised oval section containing a circular spike. Near the top of the spike is a circular-shaped piece of metal in a fretwork pattern. This fretwork has been welded on and has space to insert several hat pins women’s accessories, history of warrnambool, hat pin stand

This laundry box would have been used by a woman who was travelling to hang up in a bedroom small items of clothing that had been laundered. Different types of laundry sets have been available for travellers for many years and sets of a more modern nature are in use today. This laundry set is retained as an example of a woman’s laundry set from the past. This is a mottled blue container made of Bakelite. The box contains eight small wooden pegs. This set is incomplete as originally there would have been ten pegs and some string to use as a small clothesline. The box also has a slip of paper with printed material indicating the use and value of the laundry set. The top of the container has had some cloth material pasted on but this is largely worn off. ‘Ladies travelling laundry set. This practical little outfit solves the problem of drying light lingerie when travelling, as such articles can easily be hung up in the boudoir. Indispensable for drying silk stockings and similar articles.’ women’s accessories, history of warrnambool

These hat pins would have been used by women wearing the large-style hats popular at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. The hat pin was both a practical and an ornamental item. Smaller varieties of hat pins may still be used today. These items are retained as examples of the type of hat pins used by women over 100 years ago.These are nine hat pins, all with metal spikes and all rusted. One has a round top with an inlay of blue glass, two have aqua and cream-coloured elongated tops made from composite material, four have round black tops and two have pearl-coloured tops. One hat pin has a metal cover at the end. women’s accessories, history of warrnambool

An item such as this would have been used by a woman to put on her boots and lace them up. Button up boots were used extensively in the 19th and early 20th centuries and this item would have been common in households at that time.This item has no known local provenance but is retained as an interesting memento of the past.This is a metal shoe horn at one end of the item with a curved button hook at the other end. The item is much worn and stained.women's accessories, shoe horn, button hook, warrnambool history

These handkerchiefs come from the estate of Ena Heazlewood. Mary Josephine (Ena) Todd was born in Warrnambool in 1920 and worked as a hairdresser at Josephine’s Salon in Warrnambool. In 1942 she married a Warrnambool man, Jack Heazlewood, who was stoker on the H.M.A.S. Sydney at the time. They later lived in Sydney. These items are of interest as examples of the handkerchiefs found in a woman’s collection mid last century and as mementoes of a former Warrnambool resident, Ena Heazlewood. These are seven handkerchiefs. .1 A silk handkerchief with a white centre and a green dot pattern border .2 A white silk handkerchief with an embroidered spray of pink flowers and green stems in one corner .3 A white silk handkerchief with multi-coloured embroidery in one corner .4 & .5 Two white silk handkerchiefs with a multi-coloured embroidered letter ‘E’ in one corner and a fluted embroidered edge. .6 & .7 Two pink nylon handkerchiefs with a fluted edge and an overall impressed pattern of pink flowers and green stems .6 & .7 Nylon Made in Japanvintage women’s accessories, todd & heazlewood families, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

These three items are common items which were used by women in early 20th century.These items are simple common items which would have been in many households.1 Needle case . Cylindrical metal case with a black and silver label. .2 a number of hair slides in a paper packet. .3 a silver spring clasp.1 Stamped on one end: best of English steel needles. Numbered from 4-8 around the top. lewis &Baylis Redditch England..2. Brunette Brown Hair Pins..3 THV alongside hallmarkneedlecase, glove clip, scarf clip, hairpins

Edna Phyliss BIRKIN No VF396668 enlisted in the Australian Women’s Army Service on 26.1.43 age 20 years. At discharge on 1.3.44 she held the rank of Pte. This item was held in the tin 182.2 with the card set 184.54.Khaki cloth bag with instructions for use of dressing printed in black on surface.In ink - "E.P. Birkin"medicine - first aid, military history, field dressing

Commemorative tea Towel, 100 years of the Australian Red Cross 1914 - 2014Tea Towel, linen and cotton, hemmed beige background with illustration of a poster titled “Keep the Red Cross flag flying/Join”, plus depicting a young women in uniform dress holding up a Red Cross flag. A sales purchase tag is still attached.Also, “”The Power of Humanity/100 years/people helping people/1914 - 2014”red cross, 100 years

.1) Book. Hard cover. Printed images of WWII women in armed forces, nursing & land army. Bottom image is photo of modern females in RAN. Red & blue printing. 108 pages, illustrated photos & maps. .2) DVD - Australian Government Department Veterans Affairs. Changing roles of women, 1899 - today. Images identical to front cover. .3) CD Rom identical cover to .2) above.books reference/military, audio-visual technology - audio/visual accessories, illustrations-prints, military history

.1) Robert James Lee “MM”. Refer Cat No 1734 for his service history. .2) Lorna Jean Robbins VF518306 enlisted on 10.8.1945 age 20 years in the AWAS. She was discharged on 27.9.1946 with the rank of Cpl. Lorna married Robert James Lee.Pair of frames photographs. .1) & .2) Frames light brown & gold timber with cream mounts & glass. .1) Photo, colour portrait of male soldier in uniform, VX65555 Robert James LEE 'MM'. .2) Photo, colour portrait of female in uniform, VF518306 Lorna Jean ROBBINS, Corporal, Australian Women's Army Service..2) Handwritten in black ballpoint ink: LORNA 'JEAN' LEEphotography - photographs, frame accessories

Framed photograph of "WAAAF Marching through Melbourne October 1941" Photograph - copy of black and white photograph depicting the" WAAAF (in uniform) marching through Melbourne October 1941". Frame - Timber, mid brown colour stain, glass front. Mount - black cardboard.Printed label in mount below photograph "WAAAF (in uniform) marching through Melbourne October 1941"frame accessories, military history - airforce, women, photography, ww2

The badge (on the right) is a Female Relatives Badge from the Second World War and the stars represent the number of serving individuals related to the holder of the badge. A number of the back appears in a register that records the name of the holder. .2) Three stars denotes 3 members of the family in the army in 1939 - 1945..1) Badge, brassround with 2 lugs on rear. Front has "War Worker Australia". Centre is coat of arms. On rear is "Navies & Labourers". Stamped numbered badge. .2) Female relative badge. Metal, silver colour, round shape with crown. wreath arrangement with map of Australia centre. Rear has pin attached. Attached by two small chains is a clasp with 3 small bronze stars. Rear of badge is stamped..1) :"Issued by the department of defence, 618. .2) Front "To the Women of Australia" Rear "Issued by the C/Weath Govt. A6800badages, medallions, female, relative, war workers

This fine lawn handkerchief has machine made lace trim. Although lace was being machine made from the 1600’s the design of the lace on this handkerchief is circa 1900’s. This handkerchief is a representation of fine needlework and women's fashion accessories in the late 19th and early 20th century.White fine lawn cotton handkerchief, square with machine made lace handstitched to lawn. Features two separate types of lace which are carefully cut on the edges. The design of the lace is circa 1900s.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, handkerchief, lace handkerchief, woman's handkerchief, women's accessory, fine fabric craftwork

The handkerchief was on display at Flagstaff Hill reception area from 2008-2105 as an example of fine needlework with a lace pattern typical of the early 1900's. During that era the house mistress would often carry two handkerchiefs, one for blowing her nose and one out on show, perhaps in an apron pocket.This handkerchief is an example of fine handmade needlework. It is also an example of women's fashion accessories in the late 19th and early 20th century.White starched silk handkerchief, square shape, very soft fabric edged with 5cm embroidered net lace. Net was embroidered as a strip then joined at corners. The design is backstitched then the lace has been joined to the fabric using blanket stitch. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, handkerchief, lace handkerchief, woman's handkerchief, women's accessory, silk handkerchief, fine handcraft, needlecraft, ladies' handkerchief, 1900s

The donors of this fur collar believe the collar to be between 80-90 years old. It was worn by the donor’s grandmother and mother as an accessory to Warrnambool and district balls and dances. It may have also been worn for warmth! The donors believe the fur would have been purchased in either Melbourne or Toorak. This fur could have been worn by either men or women. This fur collar is representative of fashion accessories in Warrnambool and District in the 1930’s.Fur collar, 1930’s. Rabbit fur collar, wide lapels, very soft fur with dyed pattern of light and dark brown stripes. Collar is lined with a heavy dark green woollen fabric. Between the fur and the lining there is a felt interfacingflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, fur collar, fur stole, fur accessory, clothing 1930’s, fashion 1930’s, fashion accessory, rabbit fur

Owned and donated by local member.Black woven cotton hat band for WRAAF (Womens Royal Australian Air Force) officers. Cloth embroidered badge with padded gold bullion and red velvet crown, gilded metal eagle and gold bullion laurel leaves. Badge model is late 1960s and after - bird is Australian wedge-tailed eagle.Noneheadgear, hat accessory

This evening bag is an example of the skill and craftwork of the early settler women in the Shire of Moorabbin.A lady's cream silk lined evening bag. 'Dilly Bag' with cream hand-crocheted outer cover with drawstring and 4 crocheted balls at baseclothing, handbags, purses, early settlers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, dressmaking, craftwork, crochet-work, pioneers, market gardeners, evening wear, formal wear, silk, satin

This evening bag is an example of the skill and craftwork of the early settler women in the Shire of Moorabbin c1900 A lady's blue silk 'dilly bag' with hand embroidered 'A' and with drawstring ties.c1900 The bag contains assorted ribbons c1960'A' embroidered on bagclothing, handbags, purses, early settlers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, dressmaking, craftwork, crochet-work, pioneers, market gardeners, evening wear, formal wear, silk, satin

The Bow Tie is a type of men's necktie that consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner such that the two opposite ends form loops. Ready-tied bow ties are available, in which the distinctive bow is sewn and a band goes around the neck and clips to secure. Bow ties may be made of any fabric material, but most are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or a mixture of fabrics. The Bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century when the Croat mercenaries used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. This was soon adopted under the name cravat, derived from the French for "Croat", by the upper classes in France, then a leader in fashion, and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most traditional Bow ties are usually of a fixed length and are made for a specific size neck. Sizes can vary between approximately 14 and 20 inches just like a comparable shirt collar. Fixed-length Bow ties are preferred when worn with the most formal wing-collar shirts, so as not to expose the buckle or clasp of an adjustable bow tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, lawyers, paediatricians, professors musicians and by people hoping to look like the above and clowns also wear oversized ones. In the 1980’s fashionable and professional women wore a type of Bow tie. Most men only wear Bow ties with formal dress. A gentleman's white ready -tied bow tie with elastic and metal clips* neckties, bow ties, formal wear, fashion, menswear, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, early settlers, market gardeners

The Bow Tie is a type of men's necktie that consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner such that the two opposite ends form loops. Ready-tied Bow ties are available, in which the distinctive Bow is sewn and a band goes around the neck and clips to secure. Bow ties may be made of any fabric material, but most are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or a mixture of fabrics. The Bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century when the Croat mercenaries used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. This was soon adopted under the name cravat, derived from the French for "Croat", by the upper classes in France, then a leader in fashion, and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most traditional Bow ties are usually of a fixed length and are made for a specific size neck. Sizes can vary between approximately 14 and 20 inches just like a comparable shirt collar. Fixed-length Bow ties are preferred when worn with the most formal wing-collar shirts, so as not to expose the buckle or clasp of an adjustable Bow tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, paediatricians, lawyers, professors musicians and by people hoping to look like the above and clowns also wear oversized ones. In the 1980’s fashionable and professional women wore a type of Bow tie. Most men only wear Bow ties with formal dress. A gentleman’s black Bow tie neckties, bow ties, formal wear, fashion, menswear, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, early settlers, market gardeners