The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken by Rick Lowell following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture

‘Bodalla’ at 32 Walpole Street, Kew was opened in August 1980 and run by Uniting Church Aged Care Services. It was located on the site of the first Congregational Church in Walpole Street which had functioned from 1860 to 1978. The church was demolished to create the nursing home, which was itself sold and redeveloped after 2009 as residential sites. In 2004, Denise Deerson interviewed residents of the aged care facility and published the interviews as a book - ‘Active Lives : life stories from Bodalla’. This slide, and a number of others were donated by Joy Stewart in 1980. The slides came from the collection of Joy Stewart’s mother, Mrs C Dickins.35mm colour transparency of a ceremony at the Bodalla Nursing Home [now demolished] at 32 Walpole Street, Kew during which a plaque was unveiled commemorating it as the site of the historic Congregational Church (1860-1978), demolished 1979. Kew Historical Society members participated in planning for and unveiling of this commemorative plaque. khs - slides, kew congregational church -- walpole street -- kew (vic.), bodalla nursing home - 32 walpole street -- kew (vic.), aged care services -- kew (vic.), nursing homes -- kew (vic.)

‘Bodalla’ at 32 Walpole Street, Kew was opened in August 1980 and run by Uniting Church Aged Care Services. It was located on the site of the first Congregational Church in Walpole Street which had functioned from 1860 to 1978. The church was demolished to create the nursing home, which was itself sold and redeveloped after 2009 as residential sites. In 2004, Denise Deerson interviewed residents of the aged care facility and published the interviews as a book - ‘Active Lives : life stories from Bodalla’. This slide, and a number of others were donated by Joy Stewart in 1980. The slides came from the collection of Joy Stewart’s mother, Mrs C Dickins.35mm colour transparency of a ceremony at the Bodalla Nursing Home [now demolished] at 32 Walpole Street, Kew during which a plaque was unveiled commemorating it as the site of the historic Congregational Church (1860-1978), demolished 1979. Kew Historical Society members participated in planning for and unveiling of this commemorative plaque. khs - slides, kew congregational church -- walpole street -- kew (vic.), bodalla nursing home - 32 walpole street -- kew (vic.), aged care services -- kew (vic.), nursing homes -- kew (vic.)

‘Bodalla’ at 32 Walpole Street, Kew was opened in August 1980 and run by Uniting Church Aged Care Services. It was located on the site of the first Congregational Church in Walpole Street which had functioned from 1860 to 1978. The church was demolished to create the nursing home, which was itself sold and redeveloped after 2009 as residential sites. In 2004, Denise Deerson interviewed residents of the aged care facility and published the interviews as a book - ‘Active Lives : life stories from Bodalla’. This slide, and a number of others were donated by Joy Stewart in 1980. The slides came from the collection of Joy Stewart’s mother, Mrs C Dickins.35mm colour transparency of a ceremony at the Bodalla Nursing Home [now demolished] at 32 Walpole Street, Kew during which a plaque was unveiled commemorating it as the site of the historic Congregational Church (1860-1978), demolished 1979. Kew Historical Society members participated in planning for and unveiling of this commemorative plaque. khs - slides, kew congregational church -- walpole street -- kew (vic.), bodalla nursing home - 32 walpole street -- kew (vic.), aged care services -- kew (vic.), nursing homes -- kew (vic.)

‘Bodalla’ at 32 Walpole Street, Kew was opened in August 1980 and run by Uniting Church Aged Care Services. It was located on the site of the first Congregational Church in Walpole Street which had functioned from 1860 to 1978. The church was demolished to create the nursing home, which was itself sold and redeveloped after 2009 as residential sites. In 2004, Denise Deerson interviewed residents of the aged care facility and published the interviews as a book - ‘Active Lives : life stories from Bodalla’. This slide, and a number of others were donated by Joy Stewart in 1980. The slides came from the collection of Joy Stewart’s mother, Mrs C Dickins.35mm colour transparency of a ceremony at the Bodalla Nursing Home [now demolished] at 32 Walpole Street, Kew during which a plaque was unveiled commemorating it as the site of the historic Congregational Church (1860-1978), demolished 1979. Kew Historical Society members participated in planning for and unveiling of this commemorative plaque. khs - slides, kew congregational church -- walpole street -- kew (vic.), bodalla nursing home - 32 walpole street -- kew (vic.), aged care services -- kew (vic.), nursing homes -- kew (vic.)

‘Bodalla’ at 32 Walpole Street, Kew was opened in August 1980 and run by Uniting Church Aged Care Services. It was located on the site of the first Congregational Church in Walpole Street which had functioned from 1860 to 1978. The church was demolished to create the nursing home, which was itself sold and redeveloped after 2009 as residential sites. In 2004, Denise Deerson interviewed residents of the aged care facility and published the interviews as a book - ‘Active Lives : life stories from Bodalla’. This slide, and a number of others were donated by Joy Stewart in 1980. The slides came from the collection of Joy Stewart’s mother, Mrs C Dickins.35mm colour transparency of a ceremony at the Bodalla Nursing Home [now demolished] at 32 Walpole Street, Kew during which a plaque was unveiled commemorating it as the site of the historic Congregational Church (1860-1978), demolished 1979. Kew Historical Society members participated in planning for and unveiling of this commemorative plaque. khs - slides, kew congregational church -- walpole street -- kew (vic.), bodalla nursing home - 32 walpole street -- kew (vic.), aged care services -- kew (vic.), nursing homes -- kew (vic.)

‘Bodalla’ at 32 Walpole Street, Kew was opened in August 1980 and run by Uniting Church Aged Care Services. It was located on the site of the first Congregational Church in Walpole Street which had functioned from 1860 to 1978. The church was demolished to create the nursing home, which was itself sold and redeveloped after 2009 as residential sites. In 2004, Denise Deerson interviewed residents of the aged care facility and published the interviews as a book - ‘Active Lives : life stories from Bodalla’. This slide, and a number of others were donated by Joy Stewart in 1980. The slides came from the collection of Joy Stewart’s mother, Mrs C Dickins.35mm colour transparency of a ceremony at the Bodalla Nursing Home [now demolished] at 32 Walpole Street, Kew during which a plaque was unveiled commemorating it as the site of the historic Congregational Church (1860-1978), demolished 1979. Kew Historical Society members participated in planning for and unveiling of this commemorative plaque. khs - slides, kew congregational church -- walpole street -- kew (vic.), bodalla nursing home - 32 walpole street -- kew (vic.), aged care services -- kew (vic.), nursing homes -- kew (vic.)

‘Bodalla’ at 32 Walpole Street, Kew was opened in August 1980 and run by Uniting Church Aged Care Services. It was located on the site of the first Congregational Church in Walpole Street which had functioned from 1860 to 1978. The church was demolished to create the nursing home, which was itself sold and redeveloped after 2009 as residential sites. In 2004, Denise Deerson interviewed residents of the aged care facility and published the interviews as a book - ‘Active Lives : life stories from Bodalla’. This slide, and a number of others were donated by Joy Stewart in 1980. The slides came from the collection of Joy Stewart’s mother, Mrs C Dickins.35mm colour transparency of a ceremony at the Bodalla Nursing Home [now demolished] at 32 Walpole Street, Kew during which a plaque was unveiled commemorating it as the site of the historic Congregational Church (1860-1978), demolished 1979. Kew Historical Society members participated in planning for and unveiling of this commemorative plaque. khs - slides, kew congregational church -- walpole street -- kew (vic.), bodalla nursing home - 32 walpole street -- kew (vic.), aged care services -- kew (vic.), nursing homes -- kew (vic.)

‘Bodalla’ at 32 Walpole Street, Kew was opened in August 1980 and run by Uniting Church Aged Care Services. It was located on the site of the first Congregational Church in Walpole Street which had functioned from 1860 to 1978. The church was demolished to create the nursing home, which was itself sold and redeveloped after 2009 as residential sites. In 2004, Denise Deerson interviewed residents of the aged care facility and published the interviews as a book - ‘Active Lives : life stories from Bodalla’. This slide, and a number of others were donated by Joy Stewart in 1980. The slides came from the collection of Joy Stewart’s mother, Mrs C Dickins.35mm colour transparency of a ceremony at the Bodalla Nursing Home [now demolished] at 32 Walpole Street, Kew during which a plaque was unveiled commemorating it as the site of the historic Congregational Church (1860-1978), demolished 1979. Kew Historical Society members participated in planning for and unveiling of this commemorative plaque. khs - slides, kew congregational church -- walpole street -- kew (vic.), bodalla nursing home - 32 walpole street -- kew (vic.), aged care services -- kew (vic.), nursing homes -- kew (vic.)

‘Bodalla’ at 32 Walpole Street, Kew was opened in August 1980 and run by Uniting Church Aged Care Services. It was located on the site of the first Congregational Church in Walpole Street which had functioned from 1860 to 1978. The church was demolished to create the nursing home, which was itself sold and redeveloped after 2009 as residential sites. In 2004, Denise Deerson interviewed residents of the aged care facility and published the interviews as a book - ‘Active Lives : life stories from Bodalla’. This slide, and a number of others were donated by Joy Stewart in 1980. The slides came from the collection of Joy Stewart’s mother, Mrs C Dickins.35mm colour transparency of a ceremony at the Bodalla Nursing Home [now demolished] at 32 Walpole Street, Kew during which a plaque was unveiled commemorating it as the site of the historic Congregational Church (1860-1978), demolished 1979. Kew Historical Society members participated in planning for and unveiling of this commemorative plaque. khs - slides, kew congregational church -- walpole street -- kew (vic.), bodalla nursing home - 32 walpole street -- kew (vic.), aged care services -- kew (vic.), nursing homes -- kew (vic.)

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, was commenced in 1856 and opened in 1872. At various stages of the institution's history it was named the Kew Lunatic Asylum (1872-1956), Kew Mental Hospital (1956-1960s), Willsmere Mental Hospital (c.1960s-1982), and the Willsmere Unit (1982-1989). Most of the records relating to this former institution are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of this institution in Kew, the Kew Historical Society also holds an extensive photographic archive as well as significant collections of personal papers collected by staff who worked there.This photograph is one of a series donated to the Society by the photographer, taken following the closure of the Willsmere Unit, and before its redevelopment as a private residential complex. The series is historically significant in that it depicts interior and exterior views of the former institution that were subsequently altered or demolished during redevelopment. A number of the 'views' are socially significant as they allow us to examine the ways in which public institutional architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries responded to the needs of those with perceived mental health issues. Colour snapshot of a part or section of the former Willsmere (Kew) Mental Hospital, taken following its decommissioning and before its sale and redevelopment.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere mental hospital, willsmere unit, health & human services, mental health, institutional architecture