Herbert Joseph Chambers was born in 1912 in Clifton Hill, Victoria. Later he was to live in Clark and Charles Streets in Northcote, in South Caulfield, and finally in Mentone. While he may have worked at the Kew Asylum before 1945, that year was when he was presented with a Certificate issued by the Department of Mental Hygiene (Victoria) declaring that he had completed training and passed the examinations required to work as a 'Mental Attendant’. The document is dated 19th December 1945 and signed by the Director of the Department and by the Co-Examiners. From at least 1945, he was to work as a member of the male staff of the Asylum, mainly in the Refractory Ward. A donor gifted to the Kew Historical Society in February 2019 a number of items collected by Herbert Chambers in his work at the Asylum. These include his Certificate of Registration, a photograph taken of him with two colleagues at Circular Quay in Sydney, a notebook containing ‘SP’ betting records of male asylum staff, and five sketchbooks with artwork created by Kenn’th [sic] Bailey, a patient of the Asylum. Herbert Chambers’ period of employment at the Kew Asylum coincided with the employment of the English psychiatrist Dr Eric Cunningham Dax (1908-2008) as Chairman of the Mental Hygiene Authority in 1952. Dr Dax introduced an art therapy program into Victorian psychiatric hospitals, including Kew, where it is likely that the five sketchbooks were created. The sketchbooks are believed to have been presented to Chambers by Bailey as a “gift for looking after him”. Herbert Chambers retired from the Kew Asylum in c.1970 after working there for almost thirty years.Small copy of an original photograph of Herbert Joseph Chambers, a member of the male staff of the Kew Mental Hospital, standing between two unidentified men at Circular Quay, Sydney. The donor believes his father, Herbery Chambers, was in Sydney attending a conference in 1962."Nursing Conference Sydney 1962 / Unknown | Herbert Chambers | Unknown"herbert joseph chambers, kew mental hospital

Herbert Joseph Chambers was born in 1912 in Clifton Hill, Victoria. Later he was to live in Clark and Charles Streets in Northcote, in South Caulfield, and finally in Mentone. While he may have worked at the Kew Asylum before 1945, that year was when he was presented with a Certificate issued by the Department of Mental Hygiene (Victoria) declaring that he had completed training and passed the examinations required to work as a 'Mental Attendant’. The document is dated 19th December 1945 and signed by the Director of the Department and by the Co-Examiners. From at least 1945, he was to work as a member of the male staff of the Asylum, mainly in the Refractory Ward. A donor gifted to the Kew Historical Society in February 2019 a number of items collected by Herbert Chambers in his work at the Asylum. These include his Certificate of Registration, a photograph taken of him with two colleagues at Circular Quay in Sydney, a notebook containing ‘SP’ betting records of male asylum staff, and five sketchbooks with artwork created by Kenn’th [sic] Bailey, a patient of the Asylum. Herbert Chambers’ period of employment at the Kew Asylum coincided with the employment of the English psychiatrist Dr Eric Cunningham Dax (1908-2008) as Chairman of the Mental Hygiene Authority in 1952. Dr Dax introduced an art therapy program into Victorian psychiatric hospitals, including Kew, where it is likely that the five sketchbooks were created. The sketchbooks are believed to have been presented to Chambers by Bailey as a “gift for looking after him”. Herbert Chambers retired from the Kew Asylum in c.1970 after working there for almost thirty years.Representative example of certification required to work as a Mental Attendant in Victoria.Certificate issued by the Department of Mental Hygiene (Victoria) declaring that Herbert Joseph Chambers has completed training and passed examinations required to work as a 'Mental Attendant. The document, dated 19th December 1945 is signed by the Director of the Department and by the Co-Examiners.Department of Mental Hygiene Victoria This is to certify that HERBERT JOSEPH CHAMBERS is a trained MEDICAL ATTENDANT having completed the period of Training and passed the Examinations, prescribed by the Regulations of The Department of Mental Hygiene, in Elementary Anatomy and Physiology, First Aid, General Medical and Special Mental Hygiene. 19TH DECEMBER, 1945 Signed by the Director of Mental Hygiene and two Co-Examinersherbert joseph chambers, kew mental hospital, department of mental hygeine - victoria

This photograph forms part of the Eric Sibly collection of images and information relating to the Outer Circle Railway which he donated to the Kew Historical Society in 1974. Heritage Victoria Citation (Abridged) "The Chandler Highway Bridge, a 137 metre wrought iron lattice-truss girder bridge with four spans supported on red brick piers with moulded bluestone cappings. The bridge has a cantilevered walkway along the west side. ...The Chandler Highway Bridge crosses the Yarra River and connects Alphington and Kew. It was completed in November 1890 as part of the Outer Circle Railway Line.Black & white photograph of the railway viaduct over Yarra River looking south towards Kew.Reverse: "Pre 1930. Outer Circle Railway Bridge over River Yarra (now Chandler Highway) - note bridge over line on Kew side for Asylum Farm". KH - 56. Kew Historical Society.chandler highway, railway bridges - kew (vic), sir john monash, outer circle railway, river yarra - kew (vic)

The man on the horse was photographed close to the main entrance of The Avenue which was the main approach to the former Sunbury Asylum. In later years the conifer trees were replaced with oak trees and today The Avenue is still the main road leading into Jacksons Hill, the housing estate that has been built on the former Sunbury Asylum land.The housing development on the former Sunbury Asylum site began in the 1980s. A black and white photograph of a man astride a white horse standing on an unmade road with an avenue of tall trees growing on either side of the formed road. A building is just visible in the distance.the avenue, sunbury as, jacksons hill

Worn by patients at Sunbury Asylum. The calico/flannel petticoats were standard issue up to the 1930s.Bodice unbleached cotton, sleeveless, fastened at back with four metal buttons (one missing), skirt grey flannel.Partially legible "F7" in black ink on left front shoulder - stamp or stencil.costume, sunbury asylum, george evans collection

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). The Kew Idiot Ward/Asylum (1887-1929) was initially part of the Asylum. Later it was called Kew Children’s Cottages (1929-62), Kew Training Centre (1962-c.97), and Kew Residential Services (c.1997-2008). Most of the records relating to these former institutions are held by the relevant Government Department or by the Public Record Office Victoria. Due to the location of these two institutions 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 at these institutions.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

This Diagnostic Kit is a fair example of medical equipment used within mental asylums in the 19th and 20th centuryBlack wooden box, fabric covered. Contains stainless steel instruments.'Gowllands' Made in Englandmedical, set, instruments, diagnostic

This religious tract gives context in what was contained in Victorian mental asylum libraries at the turn of the 20th century. Reprint. Hardback. Blue cloth-covered boards. Gilt lettering on spine. Spine ends worn. Book title is worn away on spine. White flowers and green leaves stencilled on front paste down. 190 pages. Foxing and some finger-marks to page edges. D3 written in ink on the cover page. Some tears and fraying from use. religious text, religion

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports