Handwritten list of Life Governorships awarded to various people from the RVIB during the 1930s until the 1950s. Entries include the name and address or township of recipients, and later a date column was included. No information is included on why a Life Governor was granted however this was usually in recognition for the funds donated to the institution. This amount was dependent upon the time of the contribution. In the Constitution and Rules section of the 1872 Asylum and School for the Blind Annual Report: Membership - Every Subscriber of 10s., and upwards per annum shall be a Member of the Institution, and every donor of 20 pounds and upwards, a Life Member. Auxiliary members who were appointed Life Governors were usually involved in helping organise some of the many fundraising activities, such as the Auxiliaries Annual Three Day Fair. A Life Governorship also meant that the person would have a vote when it came to some decisions made by the Committee of Management. RVIB Life Governors are listed cumulatively in the annual report until 1935 when, due to reasons of space, it was altered so that names appeared only in the year that they were granted. This continued until 1999/2000 when these were no longer awarded.Vinyl covered record book with alphabetical listing of some Life GovernorsR.V.I.B. Life Governersroyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

"RVIB is grateful for Mrs Janet Conn for her generous support of our work with children who are blind or vision impaired. Mrs Conn's donation was made in loving memory of her late husband, Mr Charles Conn. June 1999." Beneath this script is the Braille text of the above. Digital image of plaque with writing and BrailleRVIB is grateful for Mrs Janet Conn for her generous support of our work with children who are blind or vision impaired. Mrs Conn's donation was made in loving memory of her late husband, Mr Charles Conn. June 1999.royal victorian institute for the blind, janet conn, rvib burwood school

Dame Mary Gilmour was an Australian writer who became a patron of the Blind Book Society in New South Wales.Digital image of metal plaque"These studios were opened on August 15th 1958 A date especially chosen to coincide With the celebration of the 93rd anniversary of the birth of Dame Mary Gilmour Patron of The Blind Book Society."royal blind society of new south wales, dame mary gilmour

Undated cardboard hand-made sign listing the variety of products made by RVIB workers available for purchase at the show. Given the taped over word before 'show' this sign was most likely utilised across a number of shows (Melbourne and regional).Digital image of sign displayed for RVIB EnterprisesRVIB Enterprises Quality Products Made By Workers of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Industrial Division. Show Special Prices On. Baby Gates Tissue Box Covers Door Stops Pot Plant Stands Folding Tables Ludo Mops Chopping Boards Hat Boxes Bread Boards Dominoes Solitaire Toy Boxes Jarrah Outdoor Settings Tapestry Frames Hookey Boards Treated Pine Out Door Settings Chinese Checkers Wall & Mantle Clocks Building Blocks Tapestry Frame Standsroyal victorian institute for the blind, signs

Undated cardboard sign for the RVIB. In use possibly around the 1980s or early 1990s.Digital image of RVIB sign on cardboardThe Royal Victorian Institute For The Blindroyal victorian institute for the blind, signage

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

Created to meet the growing need for Braille users to access computers, and the creation of talking terminals, Clarke and Smith released the Brailink in 1982. Fitting the unit into a briefcase style for portability, it allowed Braille users to read the screen via the refreshable Braille display located above the QWERTY keyboard as well as record data on to either of the cassette recorders for use with other computers.CPU with keyboard, Braille display and two miniature cassette recorders inside a vinyl caseCS Brailinkbraille equipment, clarke and smith

"The Council Office of Paris in its session of 13th March 1972 awarded Monsieur Hugh Jeffrey the silver medal of the City of Paris." Dated 20th March 1972. Embossed on one side with the City of Paris's motto (Fluctuat nec mergitur) around a sailing ship above three badges (the Legion of Honour, the Croix de Guerre and the Ordre de la Liberation). The reverse side has 'Ville de Paris' (City of Paris) above an inscription 'Paris a Hugh Jeffrey 1972'.1 medallion in blue medal boxFluctuat nec mergitur (Tossed but not sunk)hugh jeffrey, awards

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

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

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

Female sitting next to a Perkins Brailler reading a Braille book. In the background are Braille volumes and possibly a machine that binds loose sheet together. Most likely this room she is sitting in was used by transcribers.Digital image of female reading Braillebraille books, royal victorian institute for the blind

Female sitting at a table reading a Braille book. Behind her is a wall but nothing else in the room is featured.Digital image of woman reading Braillebraille books, royal victorian institute for the blind

A female secretary sits at a typewriter with earphones on, attached to a dictaphone. In the background are filing cabinets, a typewriter and shelves. Whilst the person is unknown, from her watch, glasses and typewriter, she could be a sighted volunteer or staff member.Digital image of woman seated at a typewriterroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Male handles Clarke & Smith talking book cartridges, placing one cartridge on a bookcase filled with numbered cartridges, whilst holding another two in his other hand. To the side of him is a cane basket that contains black mailing cases with silver reinforced corners and strapping. These cases were used to send the cartridges out to talking book clients. Behind the man is another bookshelf, with the two bottom shelves containing mailing cases, the next two Clarke & Smith cartridges and possibly Clarke & Smith tapetes and tapete mailing pouches on the top shelf. A metal fan hits on top of the bookcase.Digital image of man with audio book cartridgestalking books, library, royal victorian institute for the blind

Male sits at a desk, wearing a headset, with his hands on a telephone switchboard and another device to his right. A small black radio sits to his right, as does a pen attached to the desk itself and a piece of paper. Switchboard training was provided to many blind and vision impaired people, who could adeptly operate the switch to connect callers through to employees.Digital image of man operating a telephone exchangeemployment, royal blind society of new south wales

Female holds a cassette tape whilst looking at a sheet of paper in her other hand. The tape has been pulled from a cardboard box which has a reference number (eg: C90), a title and the sequential number (Side 5) listed on the front side of the box. Multiple boxes are nestled on wooden shelves, each with a black band that is attached below the box to assist in pulling them on and off the shelves. Books on cassettes were physically bulky and were stored separately for easy retrieval and return when borrowers were done. When a tape was dispatched, the requisite number of cassettes were removed and placed into mailing pouches for dispatch. Upon return, the cassettes were placed in individual boxes, that allowed staff to retrieve selected parts of a book if needed or incomplete books were returned. Underneath the image is written "Up to date talking book cassette library". Digital image of woman holding a cassette taperoyal blind society of new south wales, talking books

1. Male sits at a desk with a Wang computer terminal in front of him and Optacon device to his left. The Optacon was a device that allowed printed material to be turned into Braille through the use of a small camera connected to a vibrating array that produced the Braille. To his right is a cassette recorder, another computer and recorder, whilst a long cane rests against a wall. The man is possibly wearing a sonic guide and listening to the cassette whilst he types on to the screen. 2. Male sits in an office with an Opticon to his left, which he is using, and a manual typewriter in front of him. The typewriter has the camera of the Opticon clamped into position over the typewriter. Behind the man is a reception desk, with a bell and small switchboard visible on upper counter of the desk, and a coffee mug, portable cassette recorder, telephone books and piles of paper stacked neatly under the upper counter.Digital image taken from pictures on chipboard15 - Group with 13, 14 please - no caption available 12 - Group with 13, Optacon captionemployment, royal blind society of new south wales

An older female and male sit either side of a desk. The lady holds a pen and a sheet of large print music in front of her, with a small pile of similar sheets to her right. The man holds a pen and looks at sheets of paper (presumably music) whilst sitting next to a box with the title 'Family Fun Box Organ course' to his left. In the background are filing racks, The Australian Hymn book and Braille volumes in various bindings. Over time, the RBS built up a considerable music collection thanks to the work of its dedicated supporters such as Dulcie Magnus.Digital image of two people working together to produce braille music Second century 24royal blind society of new south wales, braille music

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This examination pin was given to him in September 1934. It is a copper badge with its frame shaped like a shield. Inset into the shield is an Australian coat-of-arms granted by King George V, with a white and blue torse supported by a kangaroo and emu on a grassy field. It features the Commonwealth Star on top, and the motto "Advance Australia" underneath. It is engraved with "Hugh Jeffrey" acoss the top, with "University Exam" on the left of the outlying shield, and "Sept. 1934" on the right. It features a loop on the top with a short fine chain and safety pin. Shield with Australian coat of arms and engraved writingAdvance Australia Hugh Jeffrey University Exam Sept. 1934hugh jeffrey, badges

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This examination pin was given to him in September 1933. It is a round copper badge with gold coloured filigree running around the outer edge. Inset into the shield is an Australian coat-of-arms granted by King George V, with a white and blue torse supported by a kangaroo and emu on a grassy field. It features the Commonwealth Star on top, and the motto "Advance Australia" underneath. It is engraved with "University Examination" acoss the top, with "won by Hugh Jeffries sic Sept. 1933" acoss the bottom. It features a loop on the top with a short fine chain and safety pin. Australia coat of arms inside circle with engraving around edgeAdvance Australia University Exam won by Hugh Jeffries (sic) Sept. 1933hugh jeffrey, badges

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This Dux award pin was presented to him during this time, but is undated. It is a gold badge with its frame shaped like a shield, carrying heavy engraving. Inset into the shield is an other smaller shield in copper, with "HJ" in stylised copperplate engraving on the front and "Dux" on the back. It features a loop on the top, but no chain or safety pin.Gold shield with 'Dux' engraved in middleHJ Duxhugh jeffrey, badges

After an unsuccessful attempt to gain a seat for the Australia Party in the 1974 Hugh Jeffrey ran again in 1977 for the newly-formed Australian Democrats in one of 5 Victorian electorates. This badge features a green background in enamel with Australian Democrats in gold lettering surrounded by a gold border. A gold Southern Cross and Federation Star feature on the right hand side, next to the lettering. The rear features a pin and MD and Co Badges stamped into the base.1 badge with writing and gold Southern Cross stars on green backgroundAustralian Democratshugh jeffrey, badges

This badge has 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' written in gold against a dark blue background around an oval shape, with the words 'Rifle Club' in the same lettering at the base. Inside the oval, on a light blue background, is a lighthouse and a rifle either side of it, the butts crossing at the apex. 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. The club had many successful years, competing against teams from Canada and New Zealand in 1968, and had the support of ICIANZ which provided them with free munitions as well as teams to compete against. In 1977, George Glover passed away and some of the skills required for maintenance of the equipment was lost, however the club continued until the late 1980's/early 1990s.Lighthouse with two rifles either side and crossed at top on blue backgroundRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind Rifle Clubroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges, rvib rifle club

Small round badge with white background and 'Australia Day' written in blue on the upper edge and 'Citizen Award' on the lower edge. In the middle an Australian flag with a single star beneath the Union Jack, and the left side of the flag has a stylised outline of Australia, with the Southern Cross constellation inside it. The edge of the flag is also shaped to a point. Citizen Awards are presented by local councils to individuals to recognise their outstanding contributions to the community.Round badge with Australia flag on arrow and 'Australia Day Citizen Award' around edgeAustralia Day Citizen Awardhugh jeffrey, badges

Founded in 1891, the Ellams Duplicator Company produced drum and flat duplicators that copied a stenciled sheet and allowed multiple copies to be made. Considered desk top, this rather heavy machine was operated by turning the handle and could turn out 100 copies a minute. This would have been useful for donation request letters or large print newsletters.1 black case holding a black drum and metal platesEllams Rotary Duplicator Self Feeding Ellams Duplicator Co Ltd 12 King Street London E.C. Alfred Street, Brisbane, Australiaoffice equipment, ellams

A smiling school girl plays a piano, whilst reading the music with a high magnification pair of glasses.Digital image of girl playing piano with glassesrvib burwood school, education