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

A Royal Humane Society of Australasia silver medal for bravery was awarded to Mrs Isadore Susannah Smith who, although blind, went to the aid of her husband, Arthur who was also blind, when he fell against a gas fire on July 2nd, 1967. Mrs Smith suffered second degree burns to her hands and wrists when she removed his burning pieces of clothing. On the front shows a woman in Ancient Greek clothing standing at left placing wreath on head of young man kneeling at right below Southern Cross; around edge is ' Virtute Paratum' and on the back is at centre within olive wreath 'Awarded to Isadore Smith 2.7.67'around edge is , Royal humane society of Australasia Instd. A.D. 1874. 1 silver coloured medallion and ribbon bar with ivory, brown and yellow striped ribbon. Women in ancient Greek clothing with 'Virtute Paratum' on front. Back is inscribed with 'Isadore Smith 2.6.67' inside a wreath.medals, isadore smith

Used to teach geographical information, this tactile globe was most likely produced by the RNIB and used at the RVIB Burwood School. Equator is raised and marked in black rubber. Topography land masses and meridians are tactically represented, and includes place names in Braille. A different shade of green is used to represent land masses, and major rivers are shown as well.Green plastic tactile globe with metal stand.Variouseducation aids and devices, rvib burwood school

This book contains the set up and clues for cross word puzzles that can be constructed with the RNIB crossword board. The board is contained inside a wooden box, which also has compartments for storing yellow and red rubber markers that fit into a grid that sits on the lower side. Red smooth markers are used for blanks, whilst the yellow markers have three turnable pieces, which can be adjusted to represent each letter in Braille.1 braille book and 1 wooden box containing yellow and red rubber markers that fit into the grid inset in the box.'From the Evening News book of crossword puzzles no. 18' Catalogue 29444recreation equipment, games

A bust of Louis Braille was gifted to the Victorian Association of Braille Writers in 1929 by the sculptor Guilliame Daniel Duprat. The bronze bust sits upon a blackwood plinth, with an inscribed nameplate below the chest, and a revolving medallion at the base of the stand.Sculpture of man on wooden plinth with inscribed medallion on axis and base plateOne side of medallion: Offert par le Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres (curved edge) Louis Braille Centenary Presented by French Government to The Victorian Association of Braille Writers Melbourne 1929 Reverse side: Republique Francaise Baseplate: Presented by Mrs George Swinburne to commemorate the Centenary of Louis Braille. Copied from the plaster cast. Made & Donated by G.D. Delprat Esq. 1929 victorian association of braille writers, guilliame daniel duprat

During the 1970's RVIB conducted fund raising through the use of Instant Bingo machines in Melbourne's pubs and clubs. For 20 cents per card, a Lucky Envelope would be provided and amounts from $1 (if all the numbers were green), $2 (gold), $5 (blue), $10 (grey) or $25 (red) could be won. Machines were emptied/refilled by RVIB volunteers and the profits gained were expended by the Institute for services to the blind. Wooden box with brown veneer and metal shutes for money inserted and tickets dispensed, with separate locks for doors in top for envelope restocking and base for money collection. royal victorian institute for the blind, fund raising

This pocket watch is believed to have been owned by Tom Marks, a past president of the AFB, and is an example of how Braille could be integrated into everyday items at the early part of the 20th century. Braille numbers are located on top of each printed number. Steel metal watch with copper trims. Sixty minute markers on white face and black numerals of the clock face. Minute and hour hands are of blue anodised material. Embedded seconds dial, sixty divisions marks with blue anodised sweep hand.Metal pocket watch with raised Braille numbers on facetom marks, assistive devices

Produced by Lions International to commemorate the 100 years since the birth of Helen Keller, who was a pioneer in changing attitudes and rallying support for the blind and vision impaired community in the United States of America, as well as around the world.Silver medallion with profile of short-haired woman turned to the leftHelen Keller in profile with the words 'Helen Keller Centennial 1880-1980' on front side. "While they were saying among themselves it can not be done it was done' - Helen Keller (script on back) collectibles, medals

In November and December 1964 the All Negro Folk Singers began a run of ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain’ at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. School children from the RVIB School attended a meet and greet with some of the cast and a special presentation of some of the songs from the show. 8 digital images of RVIB school visit to 'Go Tell It On A Mountain'rvib burwood school, esther rolle, frank turley, joetta cherry, princess stewart

The 'Blind' Orchestra on stage at Ormond Hall. From the left, Reg Hill (trumpet), Arthur Tyzac (alto sax) Bob Tennant (drums) Allan Campbell (soprano sax & clarinet), Richard Sutcliffe (baritone sax & arranger) and Jack Burns (piano).Six piece band of blind musiciansrvib orchestra, ormond hall

In this scanned image used in the 1888 and 1889 RVIB annual reports, the RVIB Brass Band holds their instruments at the ready. This 12 piece band was made up of blind students and workers, and had two drummers holding the beat for 10 brass instruments. The Brass Band stands outside the front doors of what was then the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind building at St Kilda Road.B/W scanned image of the Brass Band of the RVIBrvib orchestra, fundraising

Richard Sutcliffe played saxophone with the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Orchestra. He was the arranger for the Orchestra and would re-work popular tunes into Braille copies for the other members. He also performed on radio with his saxophone quintet.B/W image of a saxophone playerdick sutcliffe, rvib orchestra

In this scanned image, from the 1955 RVIB Annual Report, five blind saxophone players hold their instruments on a stage. L-R: Barry Palmer, Arthur Tyzack, Alan Campbell, Dick Sutcliffe (?), John Levercha. They won acclaim for their radio performances in 'Swallows Parade' and 'Floor Coverings Talent Hour,' and its recordings with the A.B.C., and performed in night clubs.B/W scan of saxophone quintetdick sutcliffe, barry palmer, arthur tyzack, alan campbell, john levercha

Scanned image taken from annual report of an orchestra consisting of blind students, advertising their availability to play at social occasions for hire.Scanned page of annual report on Blind Orchestrarvib orchestra, fundraising

Scanned image of the RVIB orchestra, dressed in tuxedos and playing on a stage, from the 1930 annual report. In contrast to a similar advertisement in 1923, where the orchestra was seated outside and in day clothes, this line up consists of males in black tuxedos and bowties with white shirts, to emphasis the professionalism of the musicians and their ability to play in more formal settings.Scanned page from annual report of blind orchestrarvib orchestra, fundraising

The Barwon Heads RVIB Auxiliary formed on September 11, 1942. This small collection contains index cards which were maintained by RVIB and contain the amount of donations made by the Auxiliary between 1973-1978, as well as the presentations delivered by RVIB employees to Auxiliary meetings between that time. In 2003, the RVIB awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award to the Barwon Heads Auxiliary for their continued support of the organisation.Various loose papers and letters, including a Lifetime Achievement Awardroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

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. RVIB eventually closed down it's workshop production of materials in 2009 with the sale of the warehouse in High Street, Prahran and the movement of staff to Macaulay Road, Kensington.6 scanned images of basket making from RVIB annual reportsroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

A group of males play a game of blind cricket, possibly on the front lawn of the RVIB buildings in St Kilda Road. Three fieldsmen stand close, as a bowler prepares to underarm throw towards a man holding a bat. Behind a small box, acting as a wicket, another male partially crouches with his arms outstretched to clasp the incoming ball. As the bowler's arm is just out of shot, it is unknown if he holds a cane wicket ball (with bells inside) or another small object which makes a sound.Lantern slide of males playing cricketroyal victorian institute for the blind, recreation

In this undated image, a group of approximately 26 people (mostly female) sit or stand in front of the RVIB building in St Kilda Road. Dressed uniformly but in a variety of poses and expressions, the group pose for the photographer.Lantern slide of a group of blind workersroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

In this shared classroom at the RVIB, three teachers are busy instructing their pupils in various subjects. At the front a female teacher is seated as she reads Braille from a book at the head of the junior class. In the middle, a mustached man also reads Braille with older children, whilst furthest from camera, a bearded man stands during a lesson with older children.Lantern slide of three teachers and their pupils at RVIBeducation, royal victorian institute for the blind

A young man plays the organ on the stage of Ormond Hall at RVIB in St Kilda Road. Behind him sits an 'R. Lipp & Sohn' piano and against the wall, some chairs.Lantern slide of boy playing organroyal victorian institute for the blind, blind musicians

A blind woman plays the organ with one hand, whilst the other reads Braille music from a sheet in front of her, on the stage at Ormond Hall.Lantern slide of women playing organroyal victorian institute for the blind, blind musicians

Image taken of a lamp outside the reception door of the RVIB St Kilda Road building.1 col. image of lamp outside St Kilda Road buildingroyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

On September 23, 1925 the State Goverment gazetted a transfer of land in Raleigh Street, Prahran to RVIB. This was used to establish a hostel for women apprentices and workers, and building commenced in 1926 and was completed in 1927, at a cost of 3500 pounds. Demand for accommodation was strong and in 1929 a hostel for men was completed. The building were used as hostels for many years, but as demand decreased, the Institution found other ways to utilise the buildings. In 1972, a plant nursery was established on the site and other departments temporarily used the site. In 1994 the Employment Services team moved out of the building and the site was sold to developers.17 col. images of the partially demolished house at Raleigh Street, Prahranroyal victorian institute for the blind, raleigh street hostel

Mrs Augusta Tutton was the president of the Council of Auxiliaries for the RVIB for over 12 years, an Auxiliary member for 27 years, and undertook hundreds of speaking engagements and met with thousands of people at charity events, openings and auxiliary meetings. 8 B/W images of Augusta Tuttonroyal victorian institute for the blind, augusta tutton

Harry van Assche was the organiser of the RVIB's auxiliaries during the 1930's and until his death in 1942. In this letter to the Auxiliary Secretary's, Stan Hedger (Superintendent and Secretary for the RVIB) advises of Mr van Assche's death and the alternative arrangements to keep the work ongoing. Attached to the top of the letter is a newspaper article from The Sun (22/7/1942) paying tribute to this work. The letter reads: Dear Auxiliary Secretary, You will all be distressed and grieved as we are over the untimely death of our beloved friend, Mr van Assche, and I am enclosing a tribute to his memory. I think I was in a better position than anybody connected with the Institute for knowing his real worth and of the noble way in which he faced life anew in his brave unflinching determination to conquer disabilities of blindness. How well he succeeded is evidenced in our wonderful Auxiliary movement, in the multitude of friends he made wherever he went, in his never complaining attitude towards his affliction. We are heartbroken over what to me is an irreparable loss, for in my life-long experience among the blind, I have never met his peer. Other representatives will carry the torch lit by him (and he would not have liked to have thought we would fail him), and we feel that Auxiliaries will continue to do their best in memory of one who did his best for those who were sightless like himself, and for the cause for which they have so wonderfully worked in response to his appeals. Mr van Assche's Secretary and friend, Mr Webber, will act for the present, and I am sure you will all do your best to encourage him and those who may accompany him, in their desire to express the gratitude of everyone connected with this Institute for your loving kindness to Mr van Assche and to our blind babies, children and adults, who now depend upon you even more. With our kindest thoughts, Yours faithfully, Superintendent & Secretary1 letter with newspaper cutting pasted to top left edgeroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries, harry van assche

RVIB brushware was a source of income and some items were packaged under the name 'Blindcraft' to indicate their origin. In this collection the journey of the millet through its storage, selection, binding and attachment to other sections to make brooms and brushes.7 B/W images of workers making brushesroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment