Wes WALTERS (06 August 1928 - 19 August 2014) Born Mildura, Victoria From 1940 t0 1945 Wes Walters attended the Ballarat High School. He then studied architecture at the Gordon Institute in Geelong, followed by art at the Ballarat School of Mines (a division of the Ballarat School of Mines). During his time at the Ballarat Technical Art School (later Federation University Australia) Walters studied under Neville Bunning and Taylor Kelloch, and was awarded the Ballarat Ladies Art Association Scholarship in 1948. He next moved to Melbourne to work as a commercial artist with the George Patterson advertising agency. Each evening Walters studied life drawing at the Victoria Artists’ Society and taught himself anatomy. Wes Walters excelled in both abstract and realist art. He won the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Minnie Crouch Prize for watercolour art in 1953 and 1956. He won the prestigious Archibald Prize in 1879 for his portrait of Phillip Adams. 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 limited edition edition depicting a chimpanzee. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program. Photograph: HStudioart, artwork, walters, wes walters, chimpanzee, animals, available

Wes WALTERS (06 August 1928 - 19 August 2014) Born Mildura, Victoria From 1940 t0 1945 Wes Walters attended the Ballarat High School. He then studied architecture at the Gordon Institute in Geelong, followed by art at the Ballarat School of Mines (a division of the Ballarat School of Mines). During his time at the Ballarat Technical Art School (later Federation University Australia) Walters studied under Neville Bunning and Taylor Kelloch, and was awarded the Ballarat Ladies Art Association Scholarship in 1948. He next moved to Melbourne to work as a commercial artist with the George Patterson advertising agency. Each evening Walters studied life drawing at the Victoria Artists’ Society and taught himself anatomy. Wes Walters excelled in both abstract and realist art. He won the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Minnie Crouch Prize for watercolour art in 1953 and 1956. He won the prestigious Archibald Prize in 1879 for his portrait of Phillip Adams. 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 limited edition print. art, artwork, wes walters, walters, etching, printmaking etching, edition, alumni, alumnus, aavailable

David STRACHAN (1919–1970) Born 25 June 1919 at Salisbury, Wiltshire, England Arrived 1920 Adelaide, Australia: 1921 Creswick, Victoria David Strachan attended Creswick State School and Geelong Church of England Grammar school. By the age of 16 he wanted to be an artist. Accompanying his mother to London in 1936, he enrolled at the Slade School of Fine Art, where he met Godfrey Miller. In 1937 he attended the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, Paris, and painted at Cassis on the Mediterranean Sea. He returned to Australia in April 1938 and studied at the George Bell School, Melbourne. He had a growing interest in classicism blended with a fascination for the dream-state which was reinforced in his work after he moved to Sydney in 1941. There he was befriended by Jean Bellette and her husband Paul Haefliger, who were to be driving forces behind the Sydney Art Group (founded 1945). He lived on the top floor of the Haefligers' house at Double Bay, and together the three artists drew from models whom the Haefligers hired. In this period Strachan painted and exhibited some of his most poetic works—mainly figurative and landscape subjects, and still-lifes of haunting beauty. His flowers, bowls of fruit, birds, and angelic figures glimmered out of the darkness as things not of this world, evoked faintly, like mythological personages in a gently spoken narrative. He 'spent an erratic war' painting camouflage at Bankstown aerodrome with other artists, among them (Sir) William Dobell, and dancing minor roles with Hélène Kirsova's ballet company. In 1948 Strachan settled in Paris. His paintings, included by Peter Bellew in an exhibition at the Musée National d'Art Moderne, had been well-received by French critics two years earlier. In 1950 he began tentative experiments in etching. These led to the formation of the Stramur-Presse, a business venture which published etchings and lithographs of leading French and English artists. His most important project was a series of twenty-two colour etchings illustrating Alister Kershaw's book of poems, Accent & Hazard (Paris, 1951). Strachan continued to exhibit in Australia and maintained a lively social life with Australian friends. From Paris, he went for weekend painting trips with Moya Dyring in her car and, after 1957, visited the Haefligers on Majorca. He lived in London in 1955-57. His paintings became progressively less soft in effect, his palette brightened, and his forms, especially the still-lifes, became spikier. In the late 1950s his attention drifted towards the study of Hindu philosophers and Jungian psychology. For most of 1957-58 he was enrolled at the C. G. Jung-Institut, Zürich, Switzerland. In 1959 he worked in Silvio Daneo's silkworm factory at Bricherasio, Italy. In May 1960 Strachan returned to Sydney. He lived at Woolloomooloo before buying a house at Paddington in 1963. Over the ensuing years he involved himself energetically with the art scene, exhibiting, teaching (1960-65) at East Sydney Technical College, fund-raising for memorials for Thea Proctor and Dyring, and as the last president (1965) of the Society of Artists. His paintings were out of harmony with the prevailing fashion for abstraction, but he won the Wynne prize for landscape painting in 1961 and 1964 (shared). Perhaps the most moving works of Strachan's last ten years were the mining landscapes, including those he painted near Hill End, leading up to his vast canvas, 'Lewers Freehold Mine'. This was a history picture, depicting the mine as it might have appeared in 1874. He presented it to the Creswick Historical Museum in 1970 in memory of his father. (Barry Pearce, 'Strachan, David Edgar (1919–1970)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/strachan-david-edgar-11786/text21083, published first in hardcopy 2002, accessed online 6 January 2016.) 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 still lifefeaturing fruit and flowers.art, artwork, strachan, david strachan, still life, flowers, flora, available

Kees HOS In 1956 Kees and his wife Tina made a new life with their two children in the arts community of New Zealand. In Australia Kees established the art school at Gippsland College of Advanced Education in 1971 with a radical multidisciplinary approach to art education. He generously delivered encouragement and opportunities to many people including lecturers, visiting artists and students. His small team literally built an art school from zero. Temporary accommodation in an old factory and service station in Morwell moved to three student-built studios on the Gippsland Campus. His highest recognition was 1997 when the names of Kees and Albertine Hos were added to the Wall of Honour in the Garden of the Righteous at Yad Vasheem in Jerusalem along with many others who put their lives on the line against the biggest killing machine the world had known. The ‘hiding-place’ in Kees and Tina’s home was discovered but Tina managed to rescue a baby as her own while the Jewish parents were transported to Auschwitz and Dachau. Kees was on the run using his printmaking skills to forge passports but was eventually captured and jailed, the war’s end saving his life. Gippsland Director's Collection, Acquired 1973.Signed and dated lower right in pencil "Kees Hos '64"artist, artwork, kees hos, gippsland campus, gippsland director's collection, printmaking, wall of honour in the garden of the righteous

Tony IRVING (1939- ) Born England Arrived Australia 1942 Tony Irvings work is a snapshot of urban life. In the 1970s, he won the prestigious National Gallery of Victoria's John McCaughey Acquisitive Prize. The St Kilda Kiosk before it was destroyed by fire in 2003, and has since been restored by the state government because of its heritage significance.RealismAn blue etching and aquatint with the St Kilda Kiosk at the subject matter. The St Kilda Kiosk was destroyed by fire in 2003. Donated through the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Programme by Katherine N. Littlewood, 2014artist, artwork, st kilda, churchill, printmaking, st kilda kiosk, tony irving

Albert E. WILLIAMS (1899-1986) Victoria, Australia Albert Edward Williams was among the first to undertake the five-year, Technical Art Teacher’s Certificate (TATC) at the Ballarat Technical Art School in 1915, with work placement at the Ballarat Lithographic company. Williams taught for several years before he was selected to undertake further teacher training at the Working Men’s College, Melbourne, in 1926. He returned to teach at Ballarat in 1928, facilitating many student activities, while pursuing the arduous Art Teacher’s Certificate. This work was undertaken for the Art Teacher's Certificate, Part I at the Ballarat Technical Art School, School of Mines, Ballarat. From its inception in 1914, it was 30 years before the first candidate achieved the Art Teacher’s Certificate's exhaustive requirements. 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.Pencil figure drawing of a man in underwear.Verso "Certified as Student Work. H.H. Smith"art, artwork, albert e. williams, life drawing, ballarat technical art school, art teacher's certificate, drawing figure from life

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

Sister Elizabeth Lindsey worked at the RVIB Nursery since it's inception in 1933. During her time there, she took photographs of the children, whom she had care of, documenting their life at RVIB as well as the wartime displacement to Olinda when the army took over the St Kilda Road building. Adopting one of her orphan charges, Sister Lindsay left RVIB in 1945. See the notes section for individual descriptions.1 x black photograph album with coloured embossed cover containing photographs, a newspaper clipping and card.barry farnsworth, brian sitlington, douglas clarkson, bobby bolter, ben hewitt, bill henderson, norm white, jessie rita, mae rita, thelma stewart, peggy penhall, helen boyd, heather stewart, margaret russell, lois allen, ian cooper, monty james, angelo harris, pamela wegg, nurse babs, nurse pierce, jimmy schultz, bertie glenister, margaret seary, alan nuske, harry parsons, shirley devine, joan morice, david ditchfield, don smith, nurse blair, alan woods, alan crotty, elaine dean (later leahy), hilda gammon, elaine mckenna, cyril minns, ernest wilson, gladys moncrieff, marjory pyvis, rvib nursery, sister elizabeth lindsey

Sister Elizabeth Lindsey worked at the RVIB Nursery from it's inception in 1933. During this time, she took photographs of the children, whom she had care of, documenting their life at RVIB as well as the wartime displacement to Olinda when the army took over the St Kilda Road building. Adopting one of her orphan charges, Sister Lindsay left RVIB in 1945. 58 digital files of photographs.rvib nursery, monty james, angelo harris, jimmy schultz, ian cooper, bertie glenister, alan crotty, harry parsons, shirley devine, helen boyd, alan woods, joan morice, david ditchfield, elaine dean (later leahy), cynthia walker, matron jessie morrison, barbara spencer, mae rita, margaret russell, jessie rita, pearl tropman, margaret seary, heather stewart, mrs jenkins, gwen baird, hilda gammon, bobby bolter, judith king, joan ryan, olinda

This work box belonged to Miss Mary Southcombe who, with her parents Thomas and Mary came from Devon Wales to Portland on the sailing ship "Clara" in 1854. Later that year they settled in Belfast (Port Fairy). Miss Southcombe resided in Port Fairy all her life and carried a wonderful record of citizenship extending over a period of more than 80 years.This workbox used by Miss Mary Southcombe a pioneer of Port Fairy is also a beautiful piece of it's type.Pearl inlaid wooden sewing box with many compartments made of card and covered in purple silk each compartment had a lid made of the same componentsdomestic items, sewing, box, miss mary southcombe

Schoolbag belonging to Joan Powling when she was a student at the Port Fairy Consolidated School in the 1960s.The school bag is typical of the bag that children would carry their school work, lunch bag to and from school in this period. It evokes memories of another time period and is culturally significant to the life of children who attended the Port Fairy Consolidated School. Brown solid leather school bag with 2 backstraps, 2 buckle fasteners.Solid leather 13. Joan Powling.school bag, joan powling, port fairy consolidated school

Richard Bennett was the first born child of Richard Bennett and Ann Isabella Kirk in February 1828 in London England. His father was a silk weaver. His family came to Sydney in 1833 but then returned to England in 1837. Richard came out himself in 1843 when he undertook a training course on the care of sheep. He first visited Belfast in January 1846 and described it as being" The centre of a large squatting district". In 1853 he married Elizabeth Nicholson Watson at St Johns Church of England Belfast Victoria. They had 11 children, 6 registered in Victoria and the other 5 born in New South Wales. Richard's aunt (or sister some sources say) Isabella married into "Belfast Royalty" by marrying Lloyd Rutledge in 1852 and they built 'Cooinda' in 1855 and lived there. However, Lloyd apparently fell down the steps drunk one night in 1858 and broke his neck. Richard's brother Ryder Bennett was Rutledge's accountant. (William or Lloyd?) Richard's sister Matilda married James Mylne knight. Richard Bennett worked on a number of properties in the district as well as heading to New South Wales in 1858 -1870 then he returned to the Port Fairy Area. He established the River Shaw Wool Scouring establishment at Yambuk in 1876 but by 1879 he had moved his business to the banks of the Merri River Dennington. He retired in 1887 and lived the rest of his life in Warrnambool. He died on 11th September 1904. Richard Bennett wrote many letters to the local newspapers regarding the early history of the district in 1984 these letters were published under the title "Richard Bennett's Early Days of Port Fairy" A book named "Richard Bennett's Early Days of Port Fairy" was edited by Jan Crichett using his letters Early settler noted for his letters regarding the Early Days of Port FairyBlack and white portrait of gentleman with a squared collarpionner, bennett, richard, dennington., early days of port fairy, river shaw wool scouring

During the North-East Victorian bushfires of 1952, Helen Felton, Postmistress of Tintaldra post office, worked continuously for five days and nights to ensure the flow of communication through the disaster. Helen Felton conceded to leave her post for only 45 minutes while “the fire passed within fifteen feet of the spot where she was working,” burning down the garage and neighbouring store, before returning to work. Today, technologies such as cells on wheels, mobile exchanges on wheels, and NBN Sky Muster trucks are deployed in the wake of a disaster to ensure survivors have access to communications services. In a disaster, access to mobile coverage or landline connection to emergency services can be essential for the survival of life and property.emergency, bushfires, communications, regional, post office, telephonist, postmistress, helen felton

President's overview of the year including: the sadness of retiring dogs, opposition by the Hard Headed Group to the approved application for use of 12-12a and 18 Thanet Street as places of instruction, extra work required by an FOI application, lack of suitable puppies experienced, welcome back to Mrs Chandler, Michael Riley and Russell Wills, and farewell to Ralph Church and Margaret McDonald, closure of hostel at 384 Wattletree Road due to lack of ability to staff, life governorships awarded to Marianne and Brian Davenport, resignation of Sir Rammond Garrett and death of Hon. T.W. Mitchell, both Foundation Members. Articles on the Kurzweil Reading Machine, Queensland branch report, tribute to Tilly Aston, article from The Age on how Seeing Eye dogs have helped James Allerdyce and Ansett ANA worker Judith Barczak fundraising to pay for a dog.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the RVIB tin could be used gathering coins at events such as Carols by Candlelight, White Cane day or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with handle and paper wrapYour Donation Supports the Work of The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind RVIB lighthouse logo 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Telephone 9529 3544royal victorian institute for the blind, equipment

Tilly Aston was a writer, educator and social reformist for blind and visually impaired people. Her desire to overcome the limitations in her own life, and that of others, led to the establishment of the Victorian Braille Writers Association (later the Braille Library of Victoria) and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (later Association for the Blind). When the Kooyong site of the AFB required redevelopment due to the success of activities at Paterson Hall, a new building was constructed and named the H.M. Lightfoot Centre. As part of their contribution to acknowledging the work of Miss Aston, as well as two of the men who later worked with her, this plaque was struck and presented by the Blind Members' Council of the AFB.Brown metal plaque with gold writing"All noble things we do and dare, Must be fruitful, sometime, somewhere" Tilly Aston 11.12.1873 to 1.11.1947 Founder of The Association for the Blind Ltd. A gift to the H.M. Lightfoot Centre from The Blind Members' Council November 1991association for the blind, tilly aston, h.m. lightfoot

At the top of the shield is a Lions International symbol consisting of two lions heads facing outwards either side of the words 'Lions International' and the letter 'L' in between them. At the base of the shield is a blue and gold coloured badge, consisting of two rifles crossed in front of the RVIB lighthouse, with the words 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Rifle Club' around the outside. Between the two symbols is engraved "In memory of the late George Glover Past President-Lions Club of Bennettswood - Patron and Life Member of the R.V.I.B. Rifle Club. George developed and donated equipment in order that the blind may enjoy rifle shooting and compete with others. His work done will continue to serve." In the 1960's, the RVIB approached engineer George Glover to produce equipment to allow blind people to shoot, based upon that made available at St Dunstan's Hospital in the UK. The rifle range opened in February 1966 at the rear of St Kilda Road with 30 members, and soon became involved in matches with sighted rifle clubs in the area. Passionate about the sport, Mr Glover continued work and supporting the club until his death in 1977.1 wooden shield with engraved silver plategeorge glover, rvib rifle club

Life Governorships were awarded to individuals who undertook significant work or monetary donations to Vision Australia Foundation. This Honour Board was located in the Warrnambool office, and recognises the names of these people. 1985 J. Amoore 1985 M. Officer 1985 M. Coulthard 1990 G. King 2001 M. Godkin1 wooden board with letteringHonour Roll Vision Australia Foundation Warrnambool Centre Life Governors 1985 J. Amoore 1985 M. Officer 1985 M. Coulthard 1990 G. King 2001 M. Godkinnameplates, vision australia foundation

Minutes of the Queensland Society of Blind Citizens committee including centre activities, staffing changes, fund raising appointment and resignation of committee members and life governorships. Some events include: 25/1/1972 - approaching the Townsville branch to ask if any applications for assistance for cyclone damage have been received, no benefits be paid to relatives doing work for members, the payment of 20 cents a week to the Queensland Musical Literary and Self Aid Society for rent of building until the Qld Society of Blind Citizens is formed and incorporated. 24/9/1974 - due to increasing utilities an increase to hostel board from $17 to $21 per week for all residents in employment. 22/10/1974 - call for special general meeting concerning dissolution of QML SAS and transferring assets and liabilities to QSBC, free use by the Coo-ee Fishing Club of the downstairs hall on Fridays and send a 'notice to fence' to the adjoining property in Stephens Road, South Brisbane. 1 book with typed pages stuck inqueensland society of blind citizens, queensland musical literary and self aid society for the blind

Plaque commemorating D.L. Palmer, Musician to the Blind, 1882-1955. David Palmer was a music teacher and Director of Music at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (R.V.I.B.) for over 40 years and conducted the R.V.I.B. choir and orchestra. The orchestra had about twenty musicians, all of whom were vision impaired, and was popular with the public for dances and events. Mr Palmer and the other music teachers would transcribe over a thousand sheets of music every year for the orchestra into Braille. Created by sculptor Andor Mészáros (1900-1972), this plaque was located in the foyer of Ormond Hall. During an interview with Australian Women's Weekly (28/10/1959, p7), the sculpturor - Andor Meszaros - said that he worked with half-closed eyes to create the memorial. It shows a profile, with wavy lines that sweep across the eye and around the ear to represent how one sense will become more importance when another is lost. His son, Michael Meszaros, was involved in the collaboration.1 bronze plaque with raised lines depicting profileAndor Meszaros 1959awards, sculpture, royal victorian institute for the blind, david palmer, andor meszaros, michael meszaros

Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, auditor's report, balance sheet, nursing homes, social work, rehabilitation, low vision clinic, honorary services, auxiliary income, blind members, sport and recreation, life governors. There are reports on John Wicking taking on the President's role from Pat Lightfoot, increasing costs, opening of the Geelong Regional Day Centre and a training course developed for volunteers who do home visitation.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, annual reports, john wicking, h.m. lightfoot, barry farnsworth, patricia heath, john bright, edith lain, edith currell

Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, auditor's report, balance sheet, nursing homes, social work, rehabilitation, low vision clinic, honorary services, auxiliary income, blind members, sport and recreation, life governors. There are reports on launch of the Guiding Light Appeal, purchase of land near Elanora, Kelaston extensions and a property secured at Geelong as well as the awarding of Elsie Henderson's MBE.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records, henry bolte, rohan delacombe, john taylor, arthur wilkins, bruce small, hubert opperman, john wicking

Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, auditor's report, balance sheet, nursing homes, social work, rehabilitation, low vision clinic, honorary services, auxiliary income, blind members, sport and recreation, life governors. There are reports on the purchase of a property in Shepparton, results from the Guiding Light Appeal and congratulations to Kitty Rose for her New Year's Honours award.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records, john wicking, arthur wilkins, hubert opperman

Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, auditor's report, balance sheet, nursing homes, social work, rehabilitation, low vision clinic, honorary services, auxiliary income, blind members, sport and recreation, life governors. There are reports on the loss of George Vowell before approval of the nursing home named in his honour, death of Elsie Henderson, conversion of garage into Low Vision Clinic at Kooyong and opening of Illawarra in Geelong.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records, john wicking, henry winnecke, patricia heath, nellie shaw, gordon baxter, kevin heinze, hubert opperman, bruce small, bob pearson, arthur wilkins

Framed limited edition aquatint print. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Programme by Katherine Littlewood.brian dunlop, printmaking, still life, available