Note from collector: I love the generous size and thickness of Albany blankets and know someone who collects from this Mill only. The colour shades and combinations Albany used are still so gorgeous. From Western Australia. Note from collector - "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from. " Checked blanket, blues and creamAlbany Woollen Mill/Blanket/All Pure Wool/Emblem: A, Albany blanket, blanket fever, wool, albany, albany woollen mills

This item was inherited from the donor's father, René Dupuche. John Dupuche, writes: This magnifying glass was used to remove the burrs and thorns that wool-buyers tended to get in their fingers when examining bales of wool. The open end was placed on the finger since the thorn was sometimes buried under the skin. The buyer looked through the magnifying glass and with tweezers or a pin removed the thorn which had rendered the finger inoperative. The wool-buyers needed the sensitivity of their fingers to appraise the suitability of the wool, as buyers had for centuries past, measuring the length of the staple, feeling and counting the crimps in the fibre, its finesse, softness, elasticity and strength, assessing the colour, watching for extraneous matter such as dust or seeds which would not be welcome by manufacturers half-way across the world. Their skills took years to acquire. Knowledgeable buyers were invaluable to their employers, since they were able to evaluate to the last percentage the yield of a bale. My father, René Dupuche, was the ‘principal buyer’ from 1927-1966 in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania for the international wool company ‘Masurel Fils’ which was one of the largest wool businesses in Europe. It was based in the north of France, in Tourcoing, one of the major wool centres of the world. He was sent to Australia as a young man at the age of 23 and took part in the ‘golden era’ of wool in Australia, and the eventual replacement of hands-on appraisal by ‘core-testing’. Masurel Fils was one of the dozens of French and Belgian firms operating in Australia. These men from Flanders enjoyed a cosmopolitan society augmented by diplomats, European bankers and shipping-line executives for various countries and a handful of scientists and academics.Small black metal magnifying lens with three fold design and two hinges. One panel contains a circular glass lens, the centre panel has a circular hole, and the third panel has a square hole with three lines on each side.wool buyer, magnifying glass, magnifying lens, burrs, rené dupuche, john dupuche, migrants, masurel fils, french, belgian, flanders, working life, sheep industry, wool industry, agriculture

Helen BURGESS (c.1927 - 08.03.2018) Born Sydney, New South Wales Helen Burgess gained a Diploma of Design and Craft, and instructed Craft in the Occupational Therapy Departments of Repatriation and Rehabilitation. In 1957 she came to Victoria, gaining a Technical teachers Certificate from the Bendigo School of Mines. Soon after moving to Ballarat in 1973 she joined the newly formed Ballarat Embroiders Guidance Group (later Embroiders Guild). She lectured in Craft at the Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education from around 1974. She retired from the Ballarat College of Advanced Education in 1982. Helen Burgess was also an office bearer with the Ballarat Field Naturalists Club. Helen retired from BCAE in 1982 as Lecturer in Art and Craft, having commenced at BIAE approx. 1974. This work was possibly exhibited at the Embroiderers Guild, Victoria - Ballarat Branch. In 2015 Helen Burgess was considered one of the guild's longest members, at it was thought she was a foundation member of the Ballarat Branch.Textile landscape featuring applique, and hand and machine embroidery.Signed verso 'H. Burgess'.artwork, artist, helen burgess, textiles, embroidery, applique, landscape, ballarat field naturalists club, embroiderers guild

The C2 Talking Compass is a miniature hand-held battery-operated eight-point compass with digitized voice output. At the top of the compass there is the speaker and the activation button. A three-position slide switch on the side is used to switch the compass off (central position) and select one of the two in-built languages or voices. The compass pronounces the eight compass points in clear digitised speech. It represents an excellent mobility tool for an active blind or vision-impaired person. Unobtrusive, light-weight and reliable, it augments it's user's orientation sense, and contributes to his or her safety and self-confidence. The compass relies on 2 x 12V batteries. Weight: 61 grams.1 semi-transparent light-blue oval shape compass with blue nylon, plaited wrist strapassistive devices, orientation and mobility

Plastic magnfier, flat on one side concave on the other side. Left hand side has binding and hole to allow magnifier to be placed in folder.Large plastic sheet with brown topassistive devices, ecshenbach

Alun LEACH-JONES (1937- 24 December 2017) Born Maghull, Lancashire, United Kingdom Arrived Australia 1960 Alun Leach-Jones is recognised as one of Australia's leading abstract colour painters. He spent his childhood in the Welsh village of Glasfryn, Denbighshire. At the age of 14 he started a three year apprenticeship with the Solicitors Law Society, Liverpool illuminating manuscripts and hand copying legal documents. While working with the law society Leach-Jones studied painting and drawing in the evenings at the Liverpool College of Art between the years 1955-57. He immigrated to Australia in 1960, settling in Adelaide and attending the South Australian School of Art, after which he travelled and exhibited throughout Australia and abroad. In 1966 Leach-Jones celebrated Noumenon series was shown with Australian Galleries in Melbourne and he was immediately recognised as being part of what was then labelled as ‘the New Abstraction’ in Australian art. Later in 1968 his work was included in the influential exhibition "The Field" held at the National Gallery of Victoria. 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.art, artwork, alun leach-jones, leach-jones, printmaking, screenprint

Alun LEACH-JONES (1937 - 24 December 2017) Born Maghull, Lancashire, United Kingdom Arrived Australia 1960 Alun Leach-Jones is recognised as one of Australia's leading abstract colour painters. He spent his childhood in the Welsh village of Glasfryn, Denbighshire. At the age of 14 he started a three year apprenticeship with the Solicitors Law Society, Liverpool illuminating manuscripts and hand copying legal documents. While working with the law society Leach-Jones studied painting and drawing in the evenings at the Liverpool College of Art between the years 1955-57. He immigrated to Australia in 1960, settling in Adelaide and attending the South Australian School of Art, after which he travelled and exhibited throughout Australia and abroad. In 1966 Leach-Jones celebrated Noumenon series was shown with Australian Galleries in Melbourne and he was immediately recognised as being part of what was then labelled as ‘the New Abstraction’ in Australian art. Later in 1968 his work was included in the influential exhibition "The Field" held at the National Gallery of Victoria. 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 screenprint.art, artwork, printmaking, alun leach-jones, abstract colour, south australian school of art

Nornie GUDE (1915-2002) Eleanor Constance (Nornie) Gude was the daughter of Walter Gude, a leading musician, and highly regarded teacher. She grew up in Ballarat and was educated at Loreto College. From 1931 to 1936 Nornie Gude attended the Ballarat Technical Art School, a division of the Ballarat School of Mines. She was accepted into the School at the age of 15 because she was so advanced in painting. Nornie Gude studied at Ballarat for five years before progressing to Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria School. In 1936 Nornie Gude was studying at the Ballarat Technical Art School, and the National Gallery Drawing School in Melbourne. She won many art competitions, including first prize at the 1936 Melbourne Royal Agricultural Show for still life drawing, and in 1941 became the first woman to win the National Gallery Students Travelling Scholarship. In the 1936 Ballarat School of Mines Annual Report it was stated: "It is my pleasure to report a most successful year in the Technical Art School. I the Annual Poster Competition for Technical Schools, organised by Wiltshires Pty Limited, 16 prized valued at 33 pounds 8 shillings - out of 23 prizes valued at 56 pounds - were won by our students. As an artist Nornie Gude held no theories and was once heard to say, “You spend your first 20 years learning technique and the next 20 years losing it”. 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.commercial artA large, original goauche poster produced for one of the regular poster competitions held during the 1930s (the exhibition stickers are still evident on the lower left hand side). It depicts a scene in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Written verso "Nornie Gude Technical Art School Ballarat" Exhibition Sticker "Exhibit NO 8545 Class No 1736art, artwork, gude, nornie gude, eleanor constance gude, ballarat, ballarat botanical gardens, statue, ballarat technical art school, alumni

Shane JONES (1955- ) Born Melbourne Shane Jones is a graduate with a Masters in Fine Arts from Monash University, He practices art 'en plein air' and in the studio. Shane Jones' realist works feature the trompe l’oeil (trick the eye) tradition and he is considered one of Australia's foremost artists in this technique. The hyper-realist style of art creates an illusion that the objects depicted are the real thing while not being photographic. 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.A painting of a long white cloth being held by a white and a black hand. The identity of the subject is hidden, and the figure is absent. The unknown rather than the anonymity inhibits Shane Jones' imagery. art, artwork, shane jones, oil, oil on canvas, visual arts

Marion POPPLEWELL (1912-1998) Born Yorkshire Marion Popplewell visited relatives in Ballarat in the early 1940s. She loved Ballarat so much she decided to stay. She worked at a bank in Lydiard Street, opposite the Art Gallery of Ballarat, and lived in rooms above the Lydiard Street Shops. Marion enrolled in some evening classes at the Ballarat Technical Art School (a predecessor institution of Federation University Australia) conducted by Neville Bunning. He was nor overly happy with her small colourful jugs and vases, wanting her to handbuild pots, rather than wheel throw them. Marion Popplewell continued making her small wheel thrown pots with fine handles, and made glazes herself from materials imported from England. Attending classes in Ceramics up until the mid 1970s, she also took some classes in Woodwork and Needlework. Her 'Pink Glazed Jug' 1945 won a prize at the Royal Melbourne Show in the late 1940s. She died in Melbourne on 26 September 1998. 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.A collection of small hand thrown and glazed pots, jugs and bowls, 25 items in total. Tall jugs x 7 - from 5.5cm to 14cm tall Squat jugs x 7 - from 2.6cm to 6.8cm tall Small bowls x 5 - from 2.1cm to 5.3cm tall vase shapes x 5 - from 3.2 to 9cm tall one miniature mug - 3.2cm x 4.2cm art, artwork, marion popplewell, alumni, ballarat technical art school

Albert E. WILLIAMS (1899-1986) Victoria, Australia Albert E. Williams first studied art under Fred Foster after being awarded a scholarship to the Ballarat East Art School. In 1913 he became one of the first intake of 83 students to study the Merit Certificate at the newly opened Ballarat Junior Technical School. Williams was the second person to receive a certificate from that institution. He then studied under H.H. Smith for the Art Teachers’ Certificate at the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School between 1915 and 1920. Williams joined the staff of the Ballarat Junior Technical School in 1921, teaching sign writing, ticket writing and house decoration. He taught in other technical schools between 1923 and 1928, returning to Ballarat in that year to fill a vacancy left by John Rowell . Williams continued his teaching career at both the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School and the Junior Technical School until 1942. He taught in various other technical schools from 1943, retiring as Headmaster of the Brighton Technical School in 1964. Albert E. Williams continued producing artwork throughout his career, and was responsible for the education of generations of artists and art teachers. In 1937 he was living at 302 Drummond Steet South, Ballarat. 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. Unframed pencil drawing of a plaster cast of a human figure known as the Dancing Faun, a marble sculpture first recorded in 1665, when Albert Rubens listed it as in the collection of the Grand Duke of Tuscany in Florence (probably long owned by the Medici). By 1688 the sculpture was held by the Uffizi in Florence. In September 1800 the sculpture was sent to Palermo along with other treasures to avoid plunder by the French army, but it was returned to the Florence in 1803. By the 18th Century the Dancing Faun gained a reputation as one of the finest ancient sculptures in existence. A faun makes music by simultaneously playing the ‘crotala’ (similar to cymbals) in his hands and the ‘scabellum’ or ‘croupezion’ under his right foot. In Victorian Education Department examinations, this sculpture was sometimes called the "Clapping Faun".Written on the mount board below the drawing "Drawing Human Figure from the Cast. for art Teacher's Certificate 1931 by Albert E. Williams. Tech. Art School, Ballarat."art, artwork, albert e. williams, williams, ballarat technical art school, art teacher's certificate, a.e. williams, alumni, drawing from the cast, drawing from the antique, drawing the himan figure from the cast, dancing faun

My work is informed by a philosophical and spiritual engagement with Buddhist ideas, particularly in response to environmental concerns. In this work I wanted to challenge myself and explore the limits of clay material. Clay allowed me to express myself and free my mind. When I revisited Australia in 2010 form my residency, the natural environment here still was the best to me. Li-Feng LO (1967- ) Born Taiwan Ceramic artist Dr Li-Feng Lo completed a PhD at Monash University in 2008. She was a resident artist in the Federation University Arts Academy ceramics studio in 2010. Li-Feng worked with Southern Ice porcelain to create sculptural forms in response to environmental concerns. Her work is informed by a philosophical and spiritual engagement with Buddhist ideas. These works were exhibited in the exhibition 'AIRed' at the Post Office Gallery in 2011. This was a group exhibition showcasing the work of six artists who undertook residencies at the Arts Academy over a couple of years. 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.Handbuilt (pinched), coloured porcelain form. Artist's Statement: In the beginning I try to use clay to achieve a dream-like quality by providing a feeling of flexibility like paper and fragility like glass. I was my artwork to the one with nature. Gift of the artist, 2010art, artwork, li-feng lo, ceramics, artist in residence, available, available ceramics, chinese

John Gartner was a fine printer and publisher, an author, a noted philatelist, and also collector of Australian banknotes and coins. He was born on 16 July 1914 and was largely self-educated, leaving school at fourteen for work following the death of his father. Gartner developed a strong interest in the history of typography and printing and was apprenticed at the Advocate where his father had been a linotype operator. Aged 17, Gartner bought a hand press and some fonts of type, and in 1937 acquired a platen press from which he set and printed his private press books, published under the imprint of The Hawthorn Press. Gartner had a strong collection of Australian bookplates. He also looked at the work of artists overseas and commissioned personal plates. He subsequently built an international collection with preference for artists who printed from wood. His initial searches were in Belgium and Holland.(http://www3.slv.vic.gov.au/latrobejournal/issue/latrobe-84/t1-g-t7.html) A nude woman stands side-on with her right arm resting on her head. The other hand holds a flower. Books are piled in the background behind her. One book has the number 916 on its spine.Nonekeith wingrove memorial trust, bookplate, australian bookplate design awards, printmaking, nude

John Gartner was a fine printer and publisher, an author, a noted philatelist, and also collector of Australian banknotes and coins. He was born on 16 July 1914 and was largely self-educated, leaving school at fourteen for work following the death of his father. Gartner developed a strong interest in the history of typography and printing and was apprenticed at the Advocate where his father had been a linotype operator. Aged 17, Gartner bought a hand press and some fonts of type, and in 1937 acquired a platen press from which he set and printed his private press books, published under the imprint of The Hawthorn Press. Gartner had a strong collection of Australian bookplates. He also looked at the work of artists overseas and commissioned personal plates. He subsequently built an international collection with preference for artists who printed from wood. His initial searches were in Belgium and Holland.(http://www3.slv.vic.gov.au/latrobejournal/issue/latrobe-84/t1-g-t7.html) Two coins, one above the other, are held aloft by two interwoven columns within leafy spiralsNonebookplate, australian bookplate design awards, keith wingrove memorial trust, printmaking

Claire BLAKE (1977- ) Born Ballarat Claire Blake is a ceramicist who lives and works in Ballarat. She commenced studies at the University of Ballarat in 1996, completing an Honours year in 2002. 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.A group of various sized hand thrown bottles, with one large bottle in orange. art, artwork, ceramics, claire blake, available, available ceramics, alumni

Bridget BODENHAM Bridget Bodenham has a Diploma of Arts (Ceramics) from the University of Ballarat (now Federation University. In 2006 she received an Emerging Artist grant from the Australia Council for the Arts and was also part of Craft’s annual graduate survey exhibition, Fresh!. She works full time making ceramic serving ware, tableware, utensils and jewellery as well as planter pots and flower vases. The majority of her work is designed to be used and enjoyed. Bridget feels a connection to her surrounding bushland landscape and interprets the tones and textures in her work. She takes great care in creating each piece by hand and firing them up to three times in her large gas kiln. Each firing is totally unique resulting in one off pieces. Bridget Bodenham was a finalist in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award (2008) for a series of ceramic mortars and pestles, and received an Honourable Mention in the Mino International Ceramic Award, Japan. Bridget aims to create a sense of curiosity and reflection in form and function. She hopes her work delights and engages the owners hands and heart into everyday activities. The Federation University Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Small, thrown ceramic vessel / jug with handle and lip. art, artwork, bridget bodenham, ceramics, alumni

Bridget BODENHAM Bridget Bodenham has a Diploma of Arts (Ceramics) from the University of Ballarat (now Federation University. In 2006 she received an Emerging Artist grant from the Australia Council for the Arts and was also part of Craft’s annual graduate survey exhibition, Fresh!. She works full time making ceramic serving ware, tableware, utensils and jewellery as well as planter pots and flower vases. The majority of her work is designed to be used and enjoyed. Bridget feels a connection to her surrounding bushland landscape and interprets the tones and textures in her work. She takes great care in creating each piece by hand and firing them up to three times in her large gas kiln. Each firing is totally unique resulting in one off pieces. Bridget Bodenham was a finalist in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award (2008) for a series of ceramic mortars and pestles, and received an Honourable Mention in the Mino International Ceramic Award, Japan. Bridget aims to create a sense of curiosity and reflection in form and function. She hopes her work delights and engages the owners hands and heart into everyday activities. This piece won the SMB DVC Visual Arts Acquisition Award, 2006Mould made dining setting consisting of plate, two bowls and three eating utensils. Makers mark on versoceramics, bridget bodenham, artwork, alumni, dvc aquisition award

Heather SHIMMEN (1957- ) Born Melbourne, Victoria Heather Shimmen is a painter and printmaker who ises etching, lithographic and linocut techniques. She often uses mixed media and collage. Throughout her prints Heather Shimmen interleaves personal histories. Between 1976 and 1978 Heather Shimmen studied Fine Art Painting at RMIT in Melbourne. During that time she was taught for one year by George Baldessin 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 linocut with fabric overlayart, artwork, heather shimmen, shimmen, linocut, printmaking, edition, bird, hand, tree branch, bee, moth, princt council australia, pca, available

A machine used to copy content of one master cassette onto another at up to 16 times normal playing speed. Machine is contained in a black vinyl-covered case with the power cord wrapped up into a recess on one side. Black plastic rectangular Telex cassette duplicator with power cord.Telex is embossed on the bottom right-hand corner of the case-lid and front of machine. 'Copyette 1 & 1' printed on top of machine.audio equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

This black wooden antique hinged book magnifier was typical of the elegant way that Victorian age designers combined both practicality and style into the salon. Folded down, this box would sit on a side table until required, whereupon it would expand to allow the user to read items in their hand. A platform designed to hold reading materials would be elevated into position, and the magnifier allowed for three different levels of height. On top of the magnifier are engraved decorations - one of a bow and the other of a globe, telescope and scroll.1 wooden box with fold out top and inset glass magnifier.assistive devices, equipment

These proof sets cover the launch of Carols by Candlelight. In one set, Marina Prior and Santa launch the Carols ticket sales, whilst in the other a group of people stand outside RVIB St Kilda Road building, with glasses in their hands. Rhonda Burchmore and Geoff Harvey smile and laugh for cameras.2 x B/W proof sheets from the 1992 Carols by Candlelight launchcarols by candlelight, marina prior, rhonda burchmore, geoff harvey

Letter to Strongman & Crouch Solicitors regarding the formation of an auxiliary to work for additions or improvements to the clubhouse, despite the inability to register the clubhouse and recreation ground as a charity. The Association had been advised it could authorise such an auxiliary, but as the clubhouse operates under a Deed of Trust, was unsure if this was possible. In reply, the advice was to register the auxiliary as one of the Association, thereby all monies paid direct to the Association which could then ear-mark some for expenditure on the club house and recreation ground, or hand to the Trust to do so.2 typed letters on blue and white paperassociation for the advancement of the blind, auxiliaries, kooyong club house

This letter outfit (RNIB catalogue no. 9096) is primarily intended for teaching blind and partially sighted children the rudiments of spelling and word building.There are 60 letter squares in the set, and on each of these appears a printed letter, both capitals and lower case, the capital being at the top with the braille equivalent in the middle of the tile. The letters can be joined together by pressing the projecting tab on one square into the slot on the right hand side of another. The blue plastic base board is divided into 5 rows and can be used to store words created. 60 plastic tiles with braille and large print in maroon box with pink lideducation aids and devices, braille

The Optacon OPtical-to-TActile-CONverter is a compact, portable reading aid for the blind. It is about the size of a textbook, and weighs less than 2kg. It works by converting a printed image into a tactile image that a blind person can feel with one finger. After a period of training and practice, a blind person can use the Optacon to read ordinary books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed materials. The Optacon was developed after intensive research at Standford University, California, USA and was trialed by clients of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (now part of Vision Australia) in 1973. It has three main sections: 1 a miniature camera, 2 an electronics section, and 3 a tactile stimulator array. The miniature camera, about the size of a pocket knife, is mounted in a housing that has rollers for easy movement along a line of print. The camera is connected to the electronics section by a lightweight cable. The electronics section and the tactile stimulator array are in the main chassis. The array consists of 144 tiny metal rods arranged in six vertical columns and 24 horizontal rows. Each of the rods can vibrate independently. The tips of these rods protrude through holes in a concave finger plate where the index finger is placed flat in order to read. These three components act together to convert the image of a printed letter or other shape into a pattern of vibrating rods, a tactile image of the letter or shape. The letter shape is tactually perceived as an image that moves from right to left on the finger, showing the left or leading edge of the letter first. Letters are felt sequentially rather than all at once, and the image should be kept moving. The Optacon converts a printed O into a tactile form that resembles a crater with a vibrating rim -- a completed circle. C would have a gap or opening on the right side of the curve. The letter F would be felt, sequentially, as a vertical line with two trailing horizontal lines. Because it can convert any ordinary printed image into a corresponding tactile image, the Optacon is not restricted to any special typestyle or language. The camera has a zoom lens that compensates for differences in the size of type. The standard Optacon lens can accommodate type sizes from 6 point to 20 point. With the optional F4A magnifier lens, type sizes as small as 4 point can be read. Powered by a rechargeable battery, and comes with its own battery charger. The battery is contained within the main chassis, and is not removable by the user. There are four basic controls on the Optacon: the Magnification Adjustment zoom button located on the camera section on the side opposite the rollers; and the On-Off switch, the Stimulator Intensity Adjustment knob, and the Threshold Adjustment knob located on the right side of the front panel. The Circuit Breaker protrudes from the right-hand wall inside the chassis compartment. From left to right when the back panel is facing you, are located: the jack for connecting the battery charger; the Battery Check button; the Normal-Invert switch; and the Input/Output I/O connector for use with the Visual Display, when using the Repeater Cable to connect two Optacons to one another or with other accessories. Designed not be removed from the leather case during normal operation, the On-Off switch is a slide switch located on the right side of the front panel. It slides up and snaps into place in the on position. 1 black with orange front, rectangular device in leather case assistive devices, audio equipment

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

Framed portrait of Bruce Small who was President of the Association for the Blind 1955-1964. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Small stands in his Gold Coast mayoral robes, which consist of a dark blue velvet with ermine trim and a white ruffled shirt.. He wears a mayoral chain of office around his neck and glasses, with his hands clasped in front of him. Sir Bruce Small joined the Vision Australia’s General committee in 1944 and became President of the organisation in 1955. He developed an efficient team with Sir Hubert Opperman (for many years the world’s number one cyclist), whom he brought in as Vice President and Mr. Pat Lightfoot, himself president for many years. Sir Bruce had to leave school at an early age after the death of his father in order to support his family. The lessons he learned from this episode in his life created a man of quick wit, with a razor sharp mind and the skills of a gambler - attributes that enabled him to achieve his goal of “aiming for the stars”. This was put into effect when he proposed a plan for 3 new Vision Australia nursing homes in 5 years at Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton at a cost, which at that time seemed impossible but which was finally achieved between 1957 and 1959, through astute financial management. Sir Bruce also supported the concept of organisational decentralization and made amendments to the constitution, which enabled the associated branches of the Vision Australia (then the Association for the Advancement of the Blind) to form local committees. This was in order to generate local interest in the blind people in the community and engage them in fund raising and running of the nursing homes. Although he resigned in 1964 when he moved to Queensland he still retained an interest in Vision Australia. Sir Bruce had always pushed for a symbol for Vision Australia which would be recognized by the public and serve a useful purpose. This took the form of a beacon which was erected at Brighton, overlooking the sea, having a twofold purpose – a reference point and guiding light for small craft, and symbolically for blind people a guiding light to direct them to a safe harbour. Sir Bruce switched on the guiding light at in 1969 having already donated the cost of $3000. Prior to joining Vision Australia, Sir Bruce had operated the Malvern Star bicycle business in Glenferrie Rd. He promoted and expanded the business making Malvern Star the industry leader in Australia. This was aided by his friendship with Sir Hubert Oppermen, who promoted Malvern Star bikes through his role as world’s number one cyclist. In 1967 he became Mayor of the Gold Coast and, in 1972 he was elected to the Queensland Parliament representing the seat of Surfers Paradise. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Bruce Small / President 1955 - 1964 / Association for the Blind'.association for the blind, bruce small

2 grinding stones. The larger stone is flatter and worn on both sides. The top grinding stone is rounder and worn on one side top fit into hand easilylocal history, ethnographic material, household, grinding stone