Showing 363 items
matching framed medals
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Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Picture - Framed Amiens La Catherale
This object relates to John Henry LAVARS. He was born on 1/10/1897 in Ballarat, VIC. John Henry served in the AIF (928) enlisting on, 21/03/1916 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 8th BATTN as a Army Non-Commissioned Lance Sergeant (L-SGT) on 16/08/1919. John Henry LAVARS was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is John LAVARS (Father). John Lavars was awarded the British War Medal.Engraved plate - "Souvenir 1914-1918 Amiens La Cathedrale Sgt J H LAVARS No 928"photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Photograph - Framed Geoffrey Ludbrook
Geoffrey Ludbrook Awarded The Meritorious Medal for Outstanding Service by Returned Services League of Australia at National Congress Canberrra November 1997photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Colour, Second Lieutenant William Joseph Pearce (probably), c1916, c1916
Framed photograph of a second lieutenant during World War One. It is thought to be William Joseph Pearce. world war one, pearce, william joseph pearce, military medal, old colonists' association ballarat -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Photograph - Photograph, framed, Peter Fraser presenting Eddie Brogan with his RSL Meritorious Service Award, 19/9/2016
Framed photograph showing Eddie Brogan and Peter Fraser with RSL Award for Meritorious Service Medal at RSL Victoria Branch State Conference 2007Combined Tramways/ East Melbourne Sub-Branch Member Eddie Brogan with the award and certificate of the RSL Meritorious Service Medal with Sub - branch president Peter Fraser at the RSL Victoria Branch State Conference 2007. This information is taped onto the exterior of the frame. eddie brogan, meritorious service award, peter fraser, portraits, returned services league, presentations, certificates -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Memorabilia - Replica Service Medals, In Memory of John Dalton Burke, Approximately 1998
ContextualNine (9) Campaign Medals and Three (3) additional badges 1. 1939 - 45 Star 2. Burma Star 3. Defence Medal 4. War Medal 5. Australian Service Medal 6. Australian Active Service Medal 7. Korea Medal 8. United Nations Service Medal 9. Vietnam Medal 1. Leaf shaped badge attached to Korea Medal 2. Sword surrounded by leaves 3. Wing shaped cloth badge They are mounted in a frame.In Memory of John Murray Dalton Burke who served as 424506 POFF J.M. Burke RAAF 1942-1945 237656 Lt Col J.M. Burke RAR 1941-1974 Patron 1978-1988 & Hon. Life Member RAR Assn. (Vic Branch) "Lest We Forget"replica medals, korea medal, burma star, 1939-45 medal, defence medal, australian service medal, australian active service medal, united nations service medal korea, vietnam medal, royal australian regiment association, rar association -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - McGrath, 1918 circa
William 'Lauchie' McGrath, an accountant with Australian Mercantile Land & Finance (AML&F), enlisted in AIF in September 1914. He was posted to 8th Light Horse regiment with the No 268 and rank of trooper. He rose through the ranks, serving at Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine reachin the rank of Captain/Adjutant of the regiment. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. McGrath wrote the History of the regiment (See 3091.901) Following his return to Australia he took up farming in the Upper Murray, On 10 February 1924, a community picnic was being held at a creek below his Jingellic homestead when a maniac armed with a rifle came out of the scrub and proceeded to shoot indiscriminately int the party. No reason was ever given but it was presumed that he wanted to kill one man who was not among the five he hit. McGrath got the women and children into the creek and organised the other wounded - he had already been hit in the chest - into cover before running over open ground for his rifle in the house. In all he stopped five bullets but the gunman bolted once McGrath appeared with his own weapon.Some weeks later he was captured getting milk from a dairy and declared insane. One of the five victims died that day, one some months later, one had to use a stick for the rest of his life and McGrath was forced to give up the farm and return to his old job as an accountant. He was awarded the silver medal of the Royal Humane Society of NSW and the silver medal of the Royal Shipwreck Relief & Humane Society of NSW. The latter body felt the water in the creek made it appropriate to also make the award. McGrath enlisted again in World War Two, serving firstly as 2/ic Broadmeadows Camp and later 2/ic the Officer Commanding 12th Garrison Battalion. Framed black and white photograph of mounted officer with tents in background.Across lower edge of frame "Capt. McGrath. MC.. MID. 8th Australian Light Horse"mcgrath, 8th, light horse, garrison, royal humane society nsw -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Medal - Fear 9 Div Cav
The 9th Division Cavalry Regiment served with distinction in North Africa, Syria and South West Pacific during World War Two.Framed display of photograph and medals of Trooper George Fear 9th Division Cavalry.VX56755 Tpr George Reginal Fear (Baldy) 9th Div Cav Regtworld war two, wwii, fear, 9 div cav -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Medal - Trickey family group
Frederick V Trickey had extensive service with the Victorian Colonial military prior to 18 months service in South Africa. His World War One service included Gallipoli and Western Front with 8th Infantry Battalion AIF. He served in World War Two but did not proceed overseas. Major Frederick C Truckey had pre-war service with 8th Light Horse and Australian Army Instructional Corps; then during World War Two he served with 2/8th Armoured Regiment AIF. Following the war, he joined the Australian Regular Army and served in Korea. Graham M Trickey served with the Royal Australian Air Force in World War Two serving in the South Pacific area.Framed display board with perspex cover sheet containing medals of Frederick Victor Trickey and his two sons Frederick C Trickey and Graham M Trickey. F V Trickey set: Queens South Africian Medal with clasps South Africa 1902 and Transvaal; 14-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-1918 and Victory Medal; British War Medal 39-45 and Australian Service Medal 39-45; also Gallipoli medallion. F C Trickey set: 39-45 Star, Pacific Star, British War Medal 39-45, Australian Service Medal 39-45, Korea Medal and Coronation Medal. G M Trickey set: 39-45 Star, Pacific Star, British War Medal 39-45 and Australian Service Medal 39-45.boer war, world war one, world war two, wwi, wwii, trickey -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Mixed media - Lt Col AH White, April 2024
Alexander Henry White, born 9 May 1882 was educated at Greenville College Ballarat. He enlisted in the Victorian Mounted rifles in 1899 and continued to serve in the Light Horse followinh Federation. Following the outbreak of World War One he applied for a commission in the AIF 19 November 1914 and was appointed as Commanding Officer 8th Light Horse regiment. He was 32 yers of age, married with one child. He sailed with the regiment to Egypt in December 1914, and in May 1915 landed at Gallipoli. Lieutenant Colonel received a shrapnel wound to the scalp 27June, was treated at the Casualty Clearing Station, and returned to duty 4 July. In the Charge at the Nek, 7 August, White chose to lead the first wave of the 8th Light Horse. He was killed in action and his body never identified. His name is recorded on Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula. He was posthumously mentioned in dispatches for his leadership in commanding the 8th Light Horse. Framed case containing portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Henry White, together with his medals (replica) and colour patches of 8th Light Horse.On plaque under portrait 'Lt Col Alexander White / Commanding Officer 8 Light Horse Regiment' and under medals 'Lt. Col. Alexander White borne 9 May 1882 / K.I.A. 7 August 1915 at the NEK Gallipoli'gallipoli, white, wwi, 8lh, ballarat -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Photograph Maygar
Leslie Maygar, a grazier from the Euroa district served with the 5th Contingent Victorian Mounted Rifles to the Boer War.Black and white photograph in a wooden frame of Leslie Maygar wearing his Victoria Cross and South African medal..maygar, boer war, vc -
South Gippsland Shire Council
Photomontage, Framed, Olympic Games Melbourne 22nd Nov - 8th Dec 1956
Framed Olympic Games 1956 Photomontage print with Limited Edition Certificate attached. Presented to the South Gippsland Shire Council from the Olympic Games Committee, Sydney 2000. Cream card window mount with engraved text panel set in light brown wood frame. The photomontage features images of the the Olympic Torch and Commemorative medals atop with text and signatures above a collection of ephemera, memorabilia, items of clothing and objects relating to the Olympic games. -
Wangaratta High School
WHS Framed Certificate, 2007
2 White finalist certificate in a brown wooden frame with a blue bar along the right side of the page. one Certificate has a medal in the centre of the page and a thick silver frame. Both have coloured text reading:2007 VICTORIAN EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS School Leadership Team Award Finalist Awarded to Wangaratta High School Team members Judy Rose, Debbie Moore, Rex Pirie, Lynita Taylor -
Wangaratta High School
Lynne Semmlar Medals & Photographs, 1967
Wooden framed photo of Lynne Semmler holding a medal and two golden swimming relay medals with a blue, green and black logo, with typed descriptions of each item Victorian All schools Medley Relay Championship medal 1967 won by former students Patricia Meek, Robyn Brandreth, Lesley Osmotherly, Lynne Semmler and Victorian Stare Relay championship 1967 won by Leslie Osmotherly, Robyn Brandreth, Rhonda Sinclair, Lynne Semmler -
Melbourne Legacy
Memorabilia, Legatee Grattan, c.1989
Framed commemoration piece about Legatee Oriel John Grattan, born 19 September 1894 in West Melbourne. Served in 103rd Battery AIS in the Great War. Served as a Legatee from 10 March 1939. Awarded fifty-year certificate as a Legatee on 10 March 1989. Possibly made to commemorate Legatee Grattan's 50 years of service to Melbourne Legacy. Legatee Grattan was usually referred to as Grat. He was instrumental in the acquisition of the first property owned by Legacy after the bequest of a sizeable donation, see item at 00964.Significant historical record of the life and service of a LegateeFramed collage of documents, photographs, medals, letters and medallions commemorating the life and service of Legatee Oriel John Grattan to Melbourne Legacy. Contains: Birth notice Birth certificate Certificate of marriage Discharge certificate from the Great War dated 12 October 1919 Letter from Buckingham Palace signed by King George V thanking troops for their service to the 'Mother Country' 4 military medals with ribbons 2 commemorative $5 coins in plastic cases Medallion commemoration the 75th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli Ville D'Amiens medallion Various photographs Melbourne Legacy 50-year service certificatemedallion, grattan -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Medals - John Taylor
... ww1 army Victory medal John Taylor SN1422. Now in Frame ...Victory medal John Taylor SN1422. Now in Frame with Storymedals, ww1, army -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Framed Display
Display of Australian Bravery Decorations and Orders of Australiamedals, current, general -
Kyneton RSL Sub Branch
Framed print, Decorations & medals Australian Armed Forces
... and medals from all Austraian Forces. Decorations & medals Australian ...Illustrations of award decorations and medals from all Austraian Forces. -
Kyneton RSL Sub Branch
P E Nuttal
P E Nuttal enlisted in August 1914. He was with the first landing on Gallipoli. He continued to serve in France, was injured and returned to the front, In 1918 he lead his platoon on an attack which finally saw the liberation of the village of Villers Brettoneux. He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions. He was awarded the Military Medal for action in France in 1916. Nuttal was discharged from the Army in 1920 and in civilian life became President of the Kyneton Returned Services League. P E Nuttal was born Kyneton, April 1885. He returned to Kyneton after the War.Black framed photo and discription of Percy Nuttal’s enlistment and war-service.Original cataloguing information on back. KYNRSL 024Aww1, nuttal, military cross, military medal, pozieres, villers brettoneux -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Medal - GERMAN HERITAGE SOCIETY COLLECTION: KAHLAND SILVER MEDAL
Gold framed item. Written inside ' Silver Medal presented to wine maker Joachim Kahland, Sandhurst. From the Estate of Freida Kahland, late of King Street, Bendigo, these medallions were presented to the Society by the executor Mr. A. Lienhop on 22 May 1989. The Kahland cellars situated in King Street, Bendigo, were noted among the cleanest, driest and well kept cellars in the district and his wines were equally famous winning many local, national and overseas awards. On brass plaque on bottom of glass ' donated by the German Heritage Society Bendigo Inc. 2013'bendigo, industry, kahland vignerons -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - John Duncan Brownlee and friends, Yarra River, The Artorium, 1920s
This mounted and framed photograph of a group of friends punting on the River Yarra has a number of historic and artistic associations. The photograph is primarily important as an informal photograph of the Australian baritone John Donald Mackenzie Brownlee (1900-1969), whose international career at the world's major opera houses from 1927 until his retirement in 1958 included singing at Melba's Covent Garden farewell in 1926, to recordings in the 1930s of a major series of Mozart operas in Glyndebourne Festival productions, conducted by Fritz Busch. Brownlee, born in Geelong, won the gold medal as champion vocalist at the South Street competitions in Ballarat in 1921. Moving to Paris in 1923 he began study with the French baritone, Dinh Gilly, making his operatic debut at the Trianon Lyrique in Montmartre in 1926. The most significant periods of his operatic career were with the Paris Opera from 1927 to 1936, and at the Metropolitan Opera from 1937 to 1957. After his move to Paris in 1923, he is recorded as revisiting Australia in 1928 as a member of the Melba-Williamson Company, and 24 years later in 1952. The photograph of Brownlee and the Gardners in a punt on the Yarra, while putatively dated to 1925, must be from earlier in the 1920s before his move to Paris, or later during the Melba-Williamson Company season. Before his move to Paris in 1923, Brownlee had lived in Belmont Avenue, Kew, where he must have developed a friendship with the Gardners. The photograph has additional artistic significance as it was produced at 'The Artorium', James Beament's design studio next to the Hawthorn Town Hall at 362 Burwood Road. With a home at 33 Uvadale Road (designed by Eric Nicholls, who managed the architectural practice of Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Grifffin from 1924 to 1932), Beament painted a number of significant murals for the Griffin practice, including those at the Capitol Theatre in Melbourne.A photograph of recreational activities on the River Yarra. The photograph is historically significant as a professionally produced photograph of the Australian operatic baritone John Brownlee, either before his move to Paris in 1923, or in 1928 during the Melba-Williamson Company operatic tour of Australia. The photograph has additional aesthetic significance as it was produced in James Beament's Hawthorn Studio - The Artorium - at 362 Burwood Road, next to the Hawthorn Town Hall.Framed photograph of John Duncan Brownlee, the Australian tenor, with Enid Gardner and friend in a punt on the Yarra River. Brownlee was born in Geelong but before his move to Paris in 1923, he lived for a period in Belmont Avenue, Kew. Three labels on reverse. 1. "John Duncan Brownlee, Operatic Star, originally of Geelong later resident of Kew at Belmont Av, on the pole. Also in the punt - Edith Gardner a friend. The Gardners lived on the east corner of Edgevale Rd. & Cotham. Approx. 1925." 2. "This picture is the property of Kew Historical Society 1/4/79". 3. Tel. Hawthorn 842 THE ARTORIUM ...."john brownlee (tenor), punting, recreation - yarra river (kew), james beament, the artorium -- 362 burwood road -- hawthorn (vic.) -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Painting - Oil painting, Capt Albert C Borella VC MM MID, 1960 circa
... and medals. Stained wooden frame has been covered with a protective... with 'Sam Browne' belt and medals. Stained wooden frame has been ...Lieutenant Albert Borella, 26th Battalion AIF, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Villers Bretonneux, France, in March 1918.Possibly the only self portrait of an Australian VC winner.Framed self portrait of Captain Albert C Borella VC MM MID in World War One (1914-1918) uniform with 'Sam Browne' belt and medals. Stained wooden frame has been covered with a protective clear acrylic sheet.Engraved plaque on lower face of frame "Capt Albert C Borella VC MM MID presented to 8/13 VMR by Mrs E Borella"borella, victoria cross, self-portrait -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Medal - Memorial board Dunn
20th Light Horse Regiment serving in a infantry role was posted to Merauke on the southern coast of Dutch New Guinea (now the Indoneasian province of Papua) in 1943. It was the only Australian Light Horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII. Sergeant Adrian Dunne, a native of Tocumwal NSW, was killed in action 12 November 1944. He was aged 25.Rare evidence of the service of the only Australian Light Horse regiment to serve overseas in World War II (1939-45). Timber framed display panel containing Australian Commonwealth Military Forces hat badge (Rising Sun), 'Australia' metal shoulder title, 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 British War Medal and 1939-45 Australian Service Medal; and Colour patch of 20th Light Horse Regiment, black over gold. Objects are protected by a Perspex front cover sheet. Sgt Dunne's name is spelled incorrectly on the panel.20th Light Horse / Sgt Adrian Dunn / VX81616 Tocumwal / Killed Dutch New Guinea 1943.military, world war two, wwii, dunn, merauke, new guinea -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Photograph Maygar, 1902 circa
Lieutenant Leslie Maygar served with the 5th Contingent Victorian Mounted Rifles in south Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902). He was awarded the Victoria cross for heroism . Maygar served with the 15th Light Horse (CMF) in the period 1902-1914 and at the outbreak of WWI (1914-1918) he was promoted to Major and appointed as a Squadron Commander with 4th Light Horse (AIF). He served at Gallipoli then was promoted Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer 8th Light Horse. He was serving in this capacity at Beersheba in October 1917 when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft. Maygar died of wounds sustained in the attack. Fine photograph of officer of the Victorian Mounted Rifles in the period immediately following the Boer War. Leslie Maygar was a native of the Euroa district and a geographic feature and a winery have been named in his honour.Framed black and white photograph of Lieutenant Leslie Maygar VC in Victorian Mounted Rifles uniform following his return from South Africa 1902. He is wearing his Victoria Cross and Queen's South African medal with three bars: Transvaal, Orange Free State, Cape Colony..Engraved panel at lower centre frame "Lt L C Maygar VC 5VMR / Date of Award 23-11.01"maygar leslie c lieutenant vc, victoria cross, vmr 5th contingent, 8th light horse regiment -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Portrait of Matilda (Tilly) Aston, 1930-1947
Framed black and white photograph of Tilly Aston. 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 (one a red bowtie, the other is a brass medallion). At the base is a handwritten inscription: Miss Tilly Aston/ Founder of Assocation for Advancement of the Blind / in 1895 and Leader until 1947.B/W photograph in black frametilly aston, coronation medal -
Vision Australia
Certificate - Text, Le Bureau du Conseil de Paris, Freedom of the City of Paris certificate, 1972
Certificate given to Hugh Jeffrey in 1972 upon his being awarded the Paris Medal. The certificate features a brown classic etching-style drawing of Parisian-style buildings and canals, including Notre Dame Cathedral. Inset into the drawing is the following inscription, translated from the original French: "The Council Office of Paris in its session of 13th March 1972 awarded Monsieur Hugh Jeffrey the silver medal of the City of Paris." Dated 20th March 1972.1 plastic frame with paper certificatehugh jeffrey, awards -
Federation University Art Collection
Printmaking - Lithograph, 'Banksia Marginata' by Celia Rosser, 1983
Celia Rosser (1930- ) Born Melbourne, Victoria Celia Elizabeth Rosser is a renowned Australian botanical artist, best known for having published The Banksias, a three-volume series of monographs containing watercolour paintings of every Banksia species. She trained in Art at the Melbourne Institute of Technology In 1970, Celia was appointed Science Faculty Artist at Monash University. Four years later she was appointed University Botanical Artist, and began the project of painting every Banksia species. The project took over 25 years to complete, and resulted in the publication of a three volume monograph entitled The Banksias, with accompanying text by Alex George. Publication of the final volume in 2000 represented the first time that such a large genus has been entirely painted. In 1977 Celia Rosser was awarded the Linnaean Society of London's Jill Smythies Award for botanical illustration, and in 1995 was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia. Monash University awarded her an honorary Master of Science degree in 1981, and an honorary PhD in 1999. Banksia Rosserae is the last banksia species discovered and was named after the artist. Since 2002, the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne have awarded the "Celia Rosser Medal for Botanical Art" to outstanding exhibitors at their "The Art of Botanical Illustration" exhibition. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed lithograph of Banksi Marginata Cav. (Silver Banksia). Un-numbered limited edition offset photolithograph Donated by E.J. Tippett, M.B.E., 1983. Member of Ballarat School of Mines and Ballarat College of advanced Education Council 1934-1983.art, artwork, celia rosser, rosser, banksia, botany, botanical, florilegium, available, flora, bansksia marginata, silver banksia, lithograph, printmaking -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - Artwork - painting, 'Portrait of Professor David James, Inaugural Vice Chancellor of University of Ballarat', by Michael Henwood, 2001
Vice Chancellor was influential in promoting University of Ballarat in becoming a central player in the Ballarat and Western Victoria region. In 1998 he oversaw the amalgamation of the University with two Tafe institutions, which created the only multi-sectorial regional university in Australia. Professor James was a formal Ballarat City Councillor, the Chairman of the Ballarat Foundation from 2001 to 2008. He was also the recipient of the Centenary Medal in 2003 – an award created by the Centenary of Federation, which recognises the achievements of a cross-section of the Australian community, by honouring people who have contributed to society of government in Australia. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Framed academic portrait of inaugural Univesity of Ballarat Vice-Chancellor David James.Lower RHS M. Henwood 01art, artwork, michael henwood, henwood, david james, vice chancellor, academic portrait, portrait, academic regalia -
Vision Australia
Certificate - Text, Sixth National Print Awards Gold Medal: Category 2 to Royal Blind Society, 8/3/1989
The National Print Awards recognition excellence in the field of printing. In 1989, a gold medal was awarded to the Royal Blind Society in Category 2: Two and three colour printing.1 framed cream coloured page with gold coloured medallion, multi-coloured ribbon and gold brooch and 1 unframed.National Print Awards The Sixth National Print Awards Gold Medal Royal Blind Society Category 2. Two and three colour printing Presented by The Advertising Print Production Association The Printing & Allied Trades Employers' Federation of Australia and The Graphic Arts Service Association of Australia (Signature) Chairman National Print Awards 8th March 1989, Melbourneroyal blind society of nsw, awards -
Vision Australia
Painting - Artwork, Portrait of David Robertson, 2002
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 -
Vision Australia
Painting - Artwork, Portrait of Tilly Aston, 1990
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