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Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, Our 83rd year in Braille and Talking Books: eighty-third annual report and statements of account for 1976-7, 1975
Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: a picture of the 'The Greatest Thing in the World' - the oldest Braille book in the library, acknowledgement of the work of May Harrison, Joyce Cunnington, Joan Armytage, involvement in the Library Promotion Committee of Victoria to increase visibility, and receipt of Hear A Book's from Tasmania.1 volume with text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual reports -
Vision Australia
Sign - Object, Caroline Smith, World's First Sports Ground for Blind Cricketers, 11/6/2020
The Federation Markers project, jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and Stonnington Council, was intended to commemorate the centenary of Federation by means of a series of plaques to be erected around the municipality. Following public consultation, 50 historically significant themes were identified On the 7th April 1928 this playing field was inaugurated as the world's first permanent sports ground for blind cricketers when the first ball was bowled at a competition between the Victorian Blind Cricket Association and interstate teams. Mr William Paterson, a volunteer worker and advocate for blind people for over 60 years, was instrumental in acquiring and developing this sports ground and clubhouse on behalf of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now called Vision Australia Foundation). - text copied and edited from Stonnington History Centre record, accessed 26/5/2022.1 plastic sign with images and wordingvictorian blind cricket association, association for the blind, william paterson -
Vision Australia
Decorative object - Object, Presentation envelope from Takeo Iwahashi Award, 1988
Takeo Iwahashi was the founder of the Nippon Lighhouse for the Blind in Japan. He made an enormous contribution to the lives and progress of blind people around the world, and was a great friend of Helen Keller. The annual Takeo Iwahashi Award was founded in his memory and is awarded to a "worker for the blind whose contribution to work for the blind in the fields of education, training, rehabilitation, placement, prevention and cure of blindness, administration of services for the welfare of the blind or any other program related to the welfare of the blind has been outstanding." Hugh Jeffrey won this award in 1988. This intricate and delicate presentation envelope is made from a heavy guage paper/fabric blend. It features a small addition of origami on the front, as well as Japanese calligraphy and a gold and silver knotted ribbon holding it closed. Originally the envelope unfolded to a large size with a red liner, and contained the Award certificate and cheque for the prize money.Handmade paper envelope with red edging and gold and silver ribbonshugh jeffrey, awards -
Vision Australia
Ceremonial object - Object, Harrison Brothers & Howson, Ceremonial trowel
Sir Edward Mitchell was the chairman of the Edward Wilson trust, which enabled the building of the Braille Library during a time of great economic turbulence due to the last months of World War 1. This commemorative trowel was given to him in thanks for his (and the trust's support) of the project, which would ultimately provide a great resource to blinded soldiers who were prepared and able to learn Braille. In addition to the area housing the Braille collection itself, an entrance hall, reading room, secretarial office and hall also provided space for reading, administration of the collection and opportunities for social or recreational activities.1 silver plated trowel with handle inside boxPresented to Sir Edward Mitchell K.C., K.C.M.C. on the occasion of his laying the foundation stone of the new library for the Victorian Association of Braille Writers October 28th 1918. (Inside box lid: By Special Appointment Harrison Bros & Howson, Sheffield, England Cutlers to His Majesty)victorian association of braille writers, sir edward wilson -
Vision Australia
Book - Object, Better Homes and Gardens Feburary 1974, Part III, 1974
Example of a Braille magazine imported from the United States for readers in Australia. Better Homes and Gardens was produced by the National Library Service in Braille and exported to Braille libraries around the world. Magazines were costly to produce in-house, as they often held timely information that were not as relevant to the reader by the time that the transcription and embossing process was finished, and each issues required the process to be restarted each time a print issue was created. Working from the magazine itself, rather than an electronic file, and with no automated process yet developed, this issue in 1974 would have been scribed by hand and manually checked before being sent to the large embossing and binding machines for distribution. 1 Braille volume of Better Homes and Gardens magazineBetter Homes and Gardens February 1974 Part IIIbraille library of victoria, braille books -
Vision Australia
Container - Object, Cane milk bottle basket, 1930-1940
Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. A milk bottle basket was designed for milkmen to deliver their wares quickly from door to door, without the bottles impacting upon each other. The milk basket was made in the basket shop of the RVIB for use in the organisation. It was used to carry milk bottles, then containers to the various tea rooms and could have been part of the kitchen equipment for the RVIBCane basket with handle and dividers to carry milk bottlesroyal victorian institute for the blind, equipment, employment -
Vision Australia
Object, Cane washing basket
Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This style of washing basket was commonly used by families until the introduction of cheap plastic baskets.1 cane basket with 2 side handlesemployment -
Vision Australia
Object, Cane basket with handles
Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This cane basket was used for storage as well as transporting heavier items. The base has been reinforced with two thick boards that allow the basket to hold more weight than regular baskets, and this also allows it to sit higher and the contents slightly above ground level.1 deep cane basket with two side handlesemployment -
Vision Australia
Functional object - Object, Cane basket with central handles
Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This basket was made at RVIB, possibly during the 1980s due it's lack of discolouration and good condition. 1 cane basket with two side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind -
Vision Australia
Container - Object, Cane basket with handle
Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. Generic style basket that would have been used for shopping or any household task requiring movement of multiple items. Cane baskets were the original green alternative to plastic shopping bags.1 cane basket with handleemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind -
Vision Australia
Container - Object, Cane large basket
Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This laundry basket was reinforced with a solid heavy base that gave it both strength and the ability to remain upright as clothing items were placed inside. This cane laundry basket made in the basket shop of RVIB for use in the organisation possibly between 1930-1940, not for sale. Held with staff in the Enterprises section since the move to 201 High Street in the early 1990s.1 cane basket with lidroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment -
Vision Australia
Functional object - Object, Cane washing basket with side handles
Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. 1 cane basket with 2 side handlesemployment, royal victorian institution for the blind -
Vision Australia
Object, Small cane basket with solid base
Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. Generic style basket could have been used as a rubbish bin or pot plant holder. It has a wide opening, with a combination of two weaves for decoration. The base is a piece of chipboard for strength, and has a decorative covering.1 cane basket with chipboard baseemployment -
Vision Australia
Functional object - Object, Cane basket on wheels
Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This cane basket was used at QBIC for transporting heavy items. The side has been reinforced with wood and four metal bands to help the cane keep it's shape and take the weight of heavy items. The base has two pieces of board and rotating wheels are attached to the middle of the lower board which allows it to sit above ground level and be wheeled over flat surfaces. A rope handle is attached to two sides as well.1 deep cane basket with two wheelsQBIC Industries - Asset Number: 1430-1 Description: Push Trolley 7 Location: 18R Block Cane Shop employment, qbic industries -
Vision Australia
Award - Object, Grenadier, 2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament, 1981
A silver plated cup with five leaf clover and small flower in in the middle, as well as handles with engraved leaves. Inscribed on the mug is: 2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament. G. Hoppitt. Leicester 1981. A plastic cup rests in the middle of the trophy, possibly a candle holder. When Clarrie Hoppitt attended a demonstration of blind bowling, he immediately offered his services to teach blind people how to play. His wife Grace was just as impressed and also began teaching, leading to her attendance at the 2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament and this cup as a souvenir of her participation in the event.1 silver plated cup with plastic insert2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament G. Hoppitt Leicester 1981nameplates, royal blind society of new south wales, grace hoppitt -
Vision Australia
Book - Object, Playboy August 1974, 1974
Example of a Braille magazine imported from the United States for readers in Australia. Playboy was produced by the National Library Service in Braille and exported to Braille libraries around the world. Magazines were costly to produce in-house, as they often held timely information that were not as relevant to the reader by the time that the transcription and embossing process was finished, and each issues required the process to be restarted each time a print issue was created. Working from the magazine itself, rather than an electronic file, and with no automated process yet developed, this issue in 1974 would have been scribed by hand and manually checked before being sent to the large embossing and binding machines for distribution. 1 Braille volume of Playboy magazinePlayboy - entertainment for men, August 1974, Volume 21, No 8, Part IVbraille library of victoria, braille books -
Vision Australia
Photograph (item), For Empire plaque
Digital images of a wooden plaque commemorating soldiers who were blinded in World War 1. An elderly blind man sits beneath the plaque, however no information on either the man or the plaque has been recorded.For Empire This porch is erected in honour of Australian citizen soldiers, who lost their sight during the war 1914-1918. They went at Duty's callblind hostels, plaques -
Vision Australia
Magazine - Text, Inter Link Autumn 1998
Summary update of Centenary AppealNewsletter created to share information between branches, staff and volunteers on achievements at the AFB. This issue includes: Wendy Bateman and her role as an Elanora nurse, volunteer June Day receiving the Citizen of the Year award for Murchison on Australia Day, Victoria's triumphant blind bowls team who, when tied with their SA competitors, decided to share the Catchpole trophy by keeping it for 12 months then sending it back to South Australia for 12 months, Julie Deutscher has won the tender to clean Kelaston, staff members Margaret Caldwell, Ada Fox, Maureen Gleeson and Lorelle McGain have completed five years of service with the AFB, Gale Burns, Glenys Drewitt, Fiona Jackson, Gena Kyne, Anne Menzel and Margaret Tozer have completed 10 years of service and Margary Paynter has completed 15 years of service with the AFB, Dennis Smith from the George Vowell Centre helping out as barman and waiter, RPH volunteers David Ditchfield and wife Janet received a special award for their service to the station, Judy Sutherland, Chrisi Tsafso and Jo Sisley were present for awards handed to police who had held a self defence course for vision impaired, the AFB boat in the Moomba Dragon Boat Race, Sherry Cuthbert and James Nevein toast to Ernie Stewart's 102nd birthday, Susan Marshall with her children, Dorothy Cleeland and John Dowdle hand of a $25,000 cheque, Easter Bunny promoting the world's largest Easter Egg hunt as part of the Tattersall's Kooyong fair, Elenoar Scott and her mum Julie and Roberta Ashby, the use of teleconferencing by Palm Mitchell, with Shane McCarthy and Joy Lindsay in the background, aims for the year ahead including a possible name change, staff members Esther Lalor and Alex Capporilli learning Braille, and the Braille and Talking Book Library party with Mieke Mellars, Rose Blustein, Julia Simmons, Beryl Simmons, Emma Pritchard, Lorna Hayter and Alison Forbes.8 pages of text and images about AFB clients, staff and volunteersnon-fictionFor Staff & Volunteers of the Association for the Blind Inter Link Print Post No. 327855/00001 Association for the Blind A.C.N. 007 428 284 7 Mair Street, Brighton 3186 Autumn 1998elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, association for the blind, palm mitchell, shane mccarthy, mieke mellers, emma pritchard, lorna hayter, alison forbes, rose blustein, julie simmons, beryl simmons, stephen jolley, allan heywood, esther lalor, alex capporilli, elanoar scott, julie scott, roberta ashby, dorothy cleeland, john dowdle, susan marshall, sherry cuthbert, james nevein, david ditchfield, janet ditchfield, judy sutherland, christi tsafso, jo sisley, dennis smith, julie deutscher, june day, wendy bateman -
Vision Australia
Audio - Sound recording, Vasmac 2007: Vision Australia School Music Award ceremony, 13/12/2007
Vision Australia School Award ceremony songs: 1. Vision Australia School Song performed on piano by Maritah Suki. 2. Kookaburra sits in the old gumtree sung by the Junior School. 3. Let the good times roll (a Capella) sung by the Middle School. 4. Scooby Doo (a Capella) sung by the Middle School. 5. Knock Knock sung by the Senior School. 6. G'Day sung by the Senior School. 7. Hound Dog sung by the James and Nathan. 8. Everybody loves Saturday night sung by the Transition Group. 9. The Natural Way sung by the Junior School. 10. Let's Go To the Zoo sung by the Junior School. 11. Feels so good sung by Jade Sanderson. 12. Seasons of the year sung by Jade Sanderson. 13. What a Wonderful World performed by Taylor Clay and Matthew Whibley. 14. Please Don't Go performed by Joseph Samarani, Maritah Suki and Jade Sanderson. 15. Sad, Sweet Dreamer performed by Maritah Suki. 16. Sing and Scat performed by the Song Choir, with Brody Grant-Carter on Marimba. 17. Life is a Song by John Foreman. 17 songs from the Vision Australia School Music Award Ceremony 2007vision australia, burwood school, maritah suki, jade sanderson, taylor clay, matthew whibley, joseph samarani, brody grant-carter, john foreman -
Vision Australia
Audio - Sound recording, Vision Australia, Around Vision Australia: Episode 6
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Robyn speaks with Cath McKay at educational programs at the College, Valerie chats with Board Member Kevin Murfitt on winning the title of World Champion Blind Water-skier, and Robyn concludes Stephanie Kain and the Client Satisfaction Survey and the Christmas card catalogue.1 digital sound file in WAV formatradio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, robyn mckenzie, cath mckay, kevin murfitt, stephanie kain -
Vision Australia
Audio - Sound recording, Vision Australia, Around Vision Australia: Episode 45
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Robyn McKenzie chats Sue Coull, Manager of Burwood Education Centre and Principal of the School. Clare Bilton-Roos will discuss books available from the library. Valerie Thomas speaks with guest Fiona Nielson, mother of vision impaired child. Kate Gniel updates on the successful lobbying of SBS Radio to broadcast world cup matches because of the lack of live commentary in English and the VA website.1 digital sound file in WAV formatradio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, robyn mckenzie, sue coull, clare bilton-roos, fiona nielson, kate gniel -
Vision Australia
Audio - Sound recording, Vision Australia, Around Vision Australia: Episode 51
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. A special edition with Stephen Jolley covering the ceremony re-launch of the Tilly Aston Bell, with an audio interpretation of the history of the bell, Tilly Aston and Vision Australia, the rationale for the sculpture and audio effects and sounds that give the visitor an impression of how blind people relate to the world. Andrew Thurley updates on the latest books from library. Megan Denyer will give an update on electronic voting.1 digital sound file in WAV formatradio shows, vision australia, stephen jolley, andrew thurley, megan denyer -
Vision Australia
Pamphlet - Text, 1968 Illustrated Catalogue of Apparatus and Games for the Blind, 1968
RNIB sold a number of devices around the world, including games, clocks, brailling equipment and handicraft items. These are listed in this catalogue and some are found in this collection. 62 page booklet with black and white illustrationsroyal national institute for the blind, braille equipment, games, recreation equipment -
Vision Australia
Photograph (item) - Image, Royal National Institute for the Blind, Liquid measure
Glass bottle with attached phallic shaped measuring device. Attached label to the bottle states that this was used by a physiotherapist and provides a reference for the bottle: RNIB 9448. The Royal National Institute for the Blind did sell materials around the world, and this item could have been ordered from them. royal victorian institute for the blind, equipment -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, Vision Australia 2010-2011 annual report, 2011
Annual report providing overview of activities and achievements including: the opening of 'Living in a Sensory World' as a touring exhibition, closure of Louis Braille Audio, Professor Ron McCallum was named Senior Australian of the Year, expansion of audio library through a contract with Ulverscroft, refitting of Lorna Lodge at Barwon Heads, and the first Vision Australia Dragonboat Racing team was established.1 volume with illustrations providing overview of organisational achievementscorporation records, vision australia, gerard menses, kevin murfitt, owen van der wall, keith barton, paul gleeson, ross mccoll, theresa smith-ruig, jan lovie-kitchin, nick carter, ron mccallum, david speyer, donald fraser, lyn allison, michael hansen, glenda alexander, maryanne diamond, leigh garwood, robert middendorp, jenny abela, campbell ball, courtney harbeck, elin mcpadden, kylie morris, brett o'neil, ellie sponza, maggie beer, robert klauke, stephanie bradbury, matthew zhou, annabella zhou, libby dickeson, will davison, lisa wilkinson, natalija lambert, karl stefanovic, heather gleeson, nick gleeson, dorothy riddel, hazel mckenzie-kay, chelsea nagel, jack nagel, cheryl kortlang -
Vision Australia
Audio (item) - Sound recording, Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, Around the Institute: June 25, 2002
Around the Institute was a weekly program designed to keep clients and staff informed of events, activities and thoughts relating to low vision and blindness. It consisted of interviews undertaken by Jo Matthews-Lamb, Susan Thompson, Janet Cronin and Corey Nassau, with sound engineer Ed Gamble, designed to inform, educate and explore on a variety of topics. June 25: World Record Cyclist - Christine Fisher, Making realistic job choices and being job ready - Robyn McKenzie. royal victorian institute for the blind, radio shows -
Vision Australia
Document (Item) - Text, Anna Fairclough, Living in a Sensory World audio guide: Melbourne Museum, Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Sovereign Hill Gold Museum
The "Living in a Sensory World" showcases how far Australia’s blindness community has come a long way since the mid-19th century, when people who were blind or had low vision had few opportunities to fully engage with society. Historic items and compelling first-hand accounts in the form of oral histories, diaries and memoirs from the collections of Vision Australia, museums and individuals provide context for a celebration of the achievements of people with low or no vision, at the same time giving visitors a window into the sensory world experienced by people with blindness or low vision. The exhibition also explores current technologies and their positive effects on people’s lives while speculating on the future and the potential for continuing improvement in the lives of people with blindness or low vision. This audio guide was produced to help visitors with low or no sight access the exhibition and the items on display at the: - Melbourne Museum from August to October 2012. - Sovereign Hill Gold Museum November 2012 to February 2013. - Yarra Ranges Regional Museum February 2013 to April 2013.vision australia, melbourne museum, sovereign hill gold museum, yarra ranges regional museum -
Vision Australia
Document - Text, 'Around the world on blind faith' article by Caroline Van De Pol, 1995
Summary update of Centenary AppealNewspaper article about Maurice Gleeson and Marj Goodall, who undertook an overseas trip together after becoming acquainted through the Association of the Blind. 1 photocopied newspaper article from Herald Sun, 1 May 1995non-fictionassociation for the blind, elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, maurice gleeson, marj goodall, caroline van de pol -
Federation University Art Collection
Drawing - Artwork, 'Resilience' by Xersa
XERSA (1952- ) Born as Christine Limb in Daylesford, Victoria An artist with over 40 years of experience in drawing, painting and sculpture installation, who studied Fine Art at Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education (now Federation University) from 1969 to 1970, and Fine Art and Industrial Design at RMIT from 1971-1974. During the 1970s Xersa worked as a textile designer and then established a design studio in Melbourne. Xersa has been a finalist and awarded in important Australian art awards including the Dobell Prize for Drawing, and internationally exhibited contemporary artist with experience of over 20 solo and 40 group exhibitions in major galleries and Museums alongside other significant artists. My recent work is figurative, thematic of resilience and regeneration which relates to world-wide natural and non natural events that affect our health recalling our strength and determination. The allurement of drawing began before crawling and ever since then, kept vision of consistent excellence to becoming the best and to draw better than Picasso and Matisse. I hereby thank everyone for the rewarding experiences you have imparted to me so far, each mark made by my hand has the memory of you all within them. May there be much more.Drawing mounted onto perspexxersa, available, alumni, portrait -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Print - Reproduction, framed, The Menin Gate at Midnight
'Menin Gate at midnight' was painted by Will Longstaff to commemorate those soldiers with no marked graves on the Western Front during the First World War; also known as 'Ghosts of Menin Gate'. Longstaff attended a ceremony dedicating the Menin Gate memorial to the soldiers of the British empire forces, just outside the town of Ypres, Belgium, on 24 July 1927. The memorial was dedicated to the 350,000 men of the British and Empire forces who had died in battles around Ypres, and bears the names of 55,000 men with no known grave, over 6,000 of whom were Australians. Longstaff was profoundly moved by what he witnessed and that night, unable to sleep, Longstaff returned to Menin Road and later claimed to have had a vision of spirits of the dead rising out of the soil around him. On returning to his studio in London he painted 'Menin Gate at midnight' in a single session. Today 'Menin Gate at midnight' has achieved the status of a national icon. The painting retains its ability to provoke an emotional response and to communicate the scale of the loss of life and the devastation of war. However as people now have a very different understanding of war, the painting serves a slightly different function. Whereas in the past people responded to the painting as it related to the loss of a loved one and their own personal grief, now the painting communicates the loss experienced by a whole generation. The vast number of those who were killed, and the immensity of the damage wrought during the First World War, requires that those who sacrificed their lives should not be forgotten. Longstaff used well-known motifs to trigger emotion. His scarlet poppies are flowers that could be found in the Flanders fields, but they also carry the traditional connotations of shed blood and remembrance; they represent a floral blanket covering the bloodied bodies of unknown soldiers; at the same time, like the paper poppies worn on Remembrance Day, they are a tribute from the living to the dead. The portrayal of the steel-helmeted soldiers rising from the cornfields extends the range of visual emblems used by Longstaff: the plentiful harvest; the harvest of men; the steel-helmeted crosses covering the graves of many soldiers; and the helmeted bayonets raised in cheer and victory.ww1, menin gate, wark vc club