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Hume City Civic Collection
Eye Dropper
The measuring instruments which were used in the Pharmacy Department at the Sunbury Asylum were collected by a former Curator of the GEM and members of the GEM before the Asylum also known as Caloola closed down in the early 1990's.A small eye dropper with a black cap at the top."CLINTEST"sunbury, sunbury asylum, george evans collection -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - black and white, Ballarat Looking Towards Black Hill, c1870
A black and white photograph, and two details, showing Ballarat from the Ballarat Benevolent Asylum. Evident in the photos are houses, gardens, shingle roofs, fences, St Patrick's Cathedral, Black Hill, Ballarat West Fire Brigade tower, mine dumps, mullock heap, large chimneys.ballarat, ballarat townscape -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BENDIGO EASTER FAIR SOUVENIR 1900, 1900
Front cover of a souvenir booklet from the 1900 Bendigo Easter Fair showing photographs of the Mayor Cr S.H.McGowan & Cr H.M.Marks, Hospital & Asylum, on reverse photo of Easter Fair and Chinese Committees, written in ink Mrs E M Bell 22 Victoria St Bendigo.event, easter fair, bendigo easter fair -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: BENDIGO HOSPITAL SUNDAY APPEAL 1906, 1906
Document. Harry Biggs Collection. A pink printed document listing the names of the committee members for the 1906 Bendigo Hospital Sunday Appeal 1906. It also contains a short report on the Bendigo Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum. Funds from the Appeal will be equally divided b/n these 2 institutions.organization, club/society, health, harry biggs collection, bendigo hospital sunday appeal 1906 -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Photographs, E. Yellard, c. 1950's
Two rectangular black and white photographs of the Beechworth Mental Hospital (Mayday Hills) administrative building showing the left and right hand sides of the exterior building with three cars parked in driveway turning circle in the foreground taken in the 1950's by E. Yellard. Mayday Hills Hospital, originally known as the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum was constructed between 1864-67 designed by The Public Works Department. The hospital is made up of a number of buildings, landscaping, ha-ha, workshops, laundry, administrative facilities and farmland, it was constructed in 'Italianate' style by a team of up to two hundred and fifty workers (Woods p. 122). The asylum was established in response to the need for the regional shire to locally care for those particularly affected by their time working the Ovens goldfield during the Indigo Shire gold rush era where poor living conditions and isolation were significantly affecting the welfare of a great many people through poverty and lack of resources. The gaol and orphan labour systems were not able to effectively support to give housing, rehabilitation and ongoing care for the mentally ill, and transporting to Melbourne by waggon was a time consuming and counter-productive solution when the metro facilities were already overcrowded. According to Woods (A Titan's Field p. 122), between 1901 and 1911 a large percentage (thirty five percent in 1901 and twenty four in 1911) of the Beechworth population were either patients or inmates of Beechworth institutions, Mayday Hills accounted for some six hundred and seventy four patients in 1901, Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. The hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, it was argued, would assist in the cure of the patients kept at the hospital (Wood 1985, 122). The positioning of the hospital had a beneficial effect on the rural town and the large volume of people living at the hospital and contributing to this population growth is counted as reason for the survival of Beechworth as a regional township. According to the Victorian Heritage database, during the period 1921-1950 Mayday Hills underwent some modernisation by Public Works Department architect Percy Everett which included a nurses' hostel and new ward which were further developed and continued to function as a mental hospital up until 1995 when it was sold to LaTrobe university. The building and grounds are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register under criterion A, B, D, E and F.These photographs give a good indication of the ongoing use of Mayday Hills from its original establishment in the 1860's through to almost one hundred years later when these photographs were taken. The clarity of the images combined with the style and make of the cars in the foreground give a good indication of the time period and show the continued use and need for the facility over the years. Through images of building facades such as these, we might gain fuller understanding of the structural and aesthetic characteristics to be used in any future development or restorative work.2 x black and white rectangular photographs [copies] printed on Ilford photographic paper8688.1 reverse: Beechworth / Mental / Hospital / 80% 19cm / 12 cm / 80% / 728 / New / Print / BMM / 8688.1 / E. / Yellard / [Stamped : ILFORD] 8688.2 reverse: Beechworth / Mental / Hospital / E. / Yellard / BMM / 8688.1 / [Stamped : ILFORD]administrative building, black and white photographs, beechworth, mental hospital, beechworth mental hospital, mayday hills, cars, 1950, e. yellard, the public works department, public works department, hospital, mayday hills hospital, beechworth lunatic asylum, lunatic asylum, asylum, ovens goldfield, indigo shire, indigo shire gold rush -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - THOMAS JAMES CONNELLY COLLECTION: MEMO 2 DECEMBER 1870, 02/12/1870
The Thomas James Connelly collection. T. J. Connelly - Brassfounder, Coppersmith, Plumber and Gasfitter. Located in High St. Bendigo. Items of correspondence. Memo headed Bendigo Benevolent Asylum, dated 2 December 1870, to Mr Connelly requesting the installation of a boiler. Signed W. Dorman Superintendent.trades, plumbing, thomas james connelly -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Ephemera - BENDIGO EASTER FAIR COLLECTION: RAFFLE TICKET 1938
The Bendigo Easter Fair Society to aid Bendigo Base Hospital and Asylum. Ticket no. 34321. Prize Chevrolet standard 6 cylinder sedan valued at 360 pounds. Motor car raffle, 1938, gift of W. Corrie Esq. and the associated business men. Tickets 1/ proceeds for charity.event, easter fair, bendigo easter fair -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: BENDIGO HOSPITAL SUNDAY APPEAL 1887, 1887
Document. Harry Biggs Collection. 2 page booklet published. By the Bendigo Hospital Sunday Appeal 1887 which gives the names of the people on the committee. It also includes a report on the 2 institutions which are equal recipients of the Appeal - The Bendigo Gold District General Hospital and the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum.organization, club/society, community, harry biggs collection, bendigo hospital sunday appeal 1887 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: BENDIGO BENEVOLENT ASYLUM, 6/4/78
Newspaper. Harry Biggs Collection. Newspaper article pasted onto foolscap paper from The Independent dated 6/4/78. It concerns the issue of outdoor relief & the Committee of the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum. It follows through a sequence of events following the application for out-of-door relief by Mrs Scott.The Independentorganization, institution, bendigo benevolent asylum, harry biggs collection, bendigo benevolent asylum, mrs scott -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Textile - Handbag, c1970
A knitted handbag made by patients of Mayday Hills Asylum.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A blue and white knitted handbag with cane handles, made by a patient of Mayday Hills.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, knitting, handbag, bag, craft, fibre art -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Textile - Handbag, c1970
Knitted handbag made by patient of Mayday Hills Asylum.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A pink knitted fabric handbag in moss stitch with plastic handles.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, knitting, handbag, bag, fibre art, craft -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - THOMAS JAMES CONNELLY COLLECTION: MEMO 28 APRIL 1871, 28/04/1871
The Thomas James Connelly collection. T. J. Connelly - Brassfounder, Coppersmith, Plumber and Gasfitter. Located in High St. Bendigo. Items of correspondence. Memo headed Bendigo Benevolent Asylum, dated April 28th 1871. To Mr T. J Connelly an order for a laundry stove. Signed James Burnside.trades, plumbing, thomas james connelly, connelly, thomas james. plumbers. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - WES HARRY COLLECTION: BENDIGO LANDMARKS, 1912
Group of four black and white photographs depicting Bendigo landmarks in 1912. (a) The Bendigo Conservatory, (b) Interior of the Fernery, (c) Photograph showing a set of ornamental gates set into a picket fence, with many large mature trees behind. On the reverse is written ' Entrance to Lake ' , (d) Bendigo Benevolent Asylum.place, bendigo, landmarks, bendigo conservatory, fernery, entrance to the lake, benevolent asylum -
Hume City Civic Collection
Buckets
Used at Sunbury Asylum where two red buckets were placed in each ward, one filled with sand and one filled with sawdust, this was thought to have been encase of a fire breaking out. Sunbury Asylum closed in 1992 and became Victoria University of Technology.Red painted metal buckets with wire handles, one has wooden hand support. White writing stencilled on sides."Carpenter"sunbury asylum, george evans collection -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Image, Carmelite Priory, Melbourne, c1897 [Brigidine Sisters, Albert Park], c1897
Black and white image of the double storey convent titled "Carmelite Convent, Port Melbourne". This building is actually on the corner of Beaconsfield Parade and Foote Street, Albert Park. In 2019 it is a convent of the Brigidine Sisters after previously being used as Kilbride Girls Secondary College. It is the home of the Brigidin Asylum Seekers Project. carmelite priory, port melbourne, albert park, beaconsfield parade, foote street, brigidine sisters, albert park -
Hume City Civic Collection
Photograph, c 1974
The photograph is one of a series of mounted photographs which have been used for display purposes.A black and white photograph of the administration building of the former Sunbury Asylum. It is a tweo storey brick building with a slate roof and three gables. One of the gables is an attic. The wooden trims are white. A brick colonade fence is in front of the building with a terraced roadway in the foreground. Three cars are parked in the front of the building. Mounted on board.sunbury asylum, george evans collection -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: BENDIGO HOSPITAL SUNDAY APPEAL 1907, 1907
Document. Harry Biggs Collection. 2 printed blue copies of the Bendigo Hospital Sunday Appeal booklet 1907 listing the names of committee members for that year. It also contains a short report on the 2 recipients of all monies accrued by the appeal - The Bendigo Gold District General Hospital and the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum.organization, club/society, health, harry biggs collection, bendigo hospital sunday appeal 1907 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: BENDIGO HOSPITAL SUNDAY APPEAL 1882, 1882
Document. Harry Biggs Collection. A 2 page printed document giving the names of the committee for the Year 1882 of the Bendigo Hospital Sunday Appeal in which the moneys accrued were to be divided equally b/n the Bendigo Gold District General Hospital and the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum. There is also a short report on both institutions.organization, club/society, health, harry biggs collection, bendigo hospital sunday appeal 1882 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: THE NUGENT FAMILY, 28/11/05
Newspaper. Harry Biggs Collection. A small newspaper cutting in a plastic pocket. It has been submitted by J. S. McIlroy, Superintendent of the Benevolent Society & is dated 28/11/05. He is bringing to the public's attention that the Asylum is assisting the Nugent Family with relief. He is surprised that a previous article by a reporter didn't acknowledge this.organization, institution, bendigo benevolent asylum, harry biggs collection, bendigo benevolent asylum, the nugent family -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: SILVER TROWEL, 11/12/1963
Newspaper. Harry Biggs Collection. Newspaper article from Bendigo Advertiser telling of the discovery of a silver trowel at the Kyabram tip. This trowel was used to lay the memorial stone of the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum. A photo shows Administrator of Bendigo's Home & Hospital for the Aged. Mr A. Mayne showing it to the Assistant Administrator Mr A. G. Lacy.Bendigo Advertiserorganization, institution, bendigo beneolent asylum, harry biggs collection, silver trowel, bendigo benevolent asylum -
Hume City Civic Collection
Mattress Cover
The mattress cover was used on bedding at Sunbury Asylum (Caloola) prior to closing in 1992Heavy cotton mattress cover flat seam in centre. Six thin red strips running lengthwise. Numerous stain marks. Patch on one edge and two holes in diagonal corners. Hemmed at ends. Off white colour."F1" stencilled in black in centre. "F7" painted in corner.sunbury asylum, caloola training centre, george evans collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Album, Kew [Willsmere] Mental Hospital, 1872-1965
The new Kew Lunatic Asylum was completed in 1871 and opened in 1872. The year 1972 marked it's centenary. Over the years, members of staff at the asylum collected records, photographs, publications and plans of the asylum, later hospital. The Society has a number of important collections relating to the asylum and the Children's Cottages. These include the Dr Cliff Judge, the Irena Higgins and the Dr Fred Stamp Collections. This item was one of a number donated by the family of the late Dr. Fred Stamp who was the last medical superintendent of the Hospital. Dr Frederick Stamp graduated from Bristol Medical School (UK) in 1968. He and his family emigrated to Australia in 1977 to Goulburn (NSW), moving to Melbourne in 1980. He became Superintendent at Willsmere in 1981 until its closure in 1988.Following their closure, the medical records of the Kew Mental Hospital and the Children's Cottages Kew were relocated to the archives of Victorian Government departments and ultimately to the Public Records Office of Victoria. Other collections, such as the Fred Stamp Collection, were assembled by staff who worked at the hospital. The years leading up to the closure of Kew must have been fraught, and many of the items in the hospital were probably destined for hard waste disposal. Dr. Fred Stamp, the last medical superintendent, kept aside or rescued a number of these items, of which this is one. Following his death, his family donated these to the Kew Historical Society. The Society recognises these items to be of lasting historical significance, essentially due to their provenance and to their rarity. Together they (and the Judge and Higgins Collections) are an invaluable aid for researchers of the institutions' histories.Red vinyl photographic album containing 43 images of the Kew Mental Hospital from its origins until ca. 1965. Within the album, there are a range of photos of various sizes. Photos are typically labelled by date, especially within decade. The photos are of varying quality and historical significance. the subject of the photos in the album include architectural features, internal and external environments, patients and staff. Those to be published separately are deemed to be unique and or significant. The album forms part of the Dr. Fred Stamp Collection.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere, kew hospital for the insane, dr fred stamp, the fred stamp collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photographs, Envelope of Photographs: Kew [Willsmere] Mental Hospital, 1960-1972
The new Kew Lunatic Asylum was completed in 1871 and opened in 1872. The year 1972 marked it's centenary. Over the years, members of staff at the asylum collected records, photographs, publications and plans of the asylum, later hospital. The Society has a number of important collections relating to the asylum and the Children's Cottages. These include the Dr Cliff Judge, the Irena Higgins and the Dr Fred Stamp Collections. These photographs were one of a number of items donated by the family of the late Dr. Fred Stamp who was the last medical superintendent of the Hospital. Dr Frederick Stamp graduated from Bristol Medical School (UK) in 1968. He and his family emigrated to Australia in 1977 to Goulburn (NSW), moving to Melbourne in 1980. He became Superintendent at Willsmere in 1981 until its closure in 1988.Following their closure, the medical records of the Kew Mental Hospital and the Children's Cottages Kew were relocated to the archives of Victorian Government departments and ultimately to the Public Records Office of Victoria. Other collections, such as the Fred Stamp Collection, were assembled by staff who worked at the hospital. The years leading up to the closure of Kew must have been fraught, and many of the items in the hospital were probably destined for hard waste disposal. Dr. Fred Stamp, the last medical superintendent, kept aside or rescued a number of these items, of which this is one group. Following his death, his family donated these to the Kew Historical Society. The Society recognises these items to be of lasting historical significance, essentially due to their provenance and to their rarity. Together they (and the Judge and Higgins Collections) are an invaluable aid for researchers of the institutions' histories.83 black & white and colour photographs of the Kew Mental Hospital, its patients, its environs, and the 1972 Centenary celebrations. A number of photographs in the envelope are duplicate copies. Some have information inscribed on the reverse. Those to be published separately are deemed to be unique and or significant. The photos form part of the Dr. Fred Stamp Collection.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere, kew hospital for the insane, dr fred stamp, the fred stamp collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Document, Numerical Register [Surgical Unit, Kew Mental Hospital], 1969-1983
The new Kew Lunatic Asylum was completed in 1871 and opened in 1872. The year 1972 marked it's centenary. Over the years, members of staff at the asylum collected records, photographs, publications and plans of the asylum, later hospital. The Society has a number of important collections relating to the asylum and the Children's Cottages. These include the Dr Cliff Judge, the Irena Higgins and the Dr Fred Stamp Collections. This Numerical Register was one of a number of items donated by the family of the late Dr. Fred Stamp who was the last medical superintendent of the Hospital. Dr Frederick Stamp graduated from Bristol Medical School (UK) in 1968. He and his family emigrated to Australia in 1977 to Goulburn (NSW), moving to Melbourne in 1980. He became Superintendent at Willsmere in 1981 until its closure in 1988.Following their closure, the medical records of the Kew Mental Hospital and the Children's Cottages Kew were relocated to the archives of Victorian Government departments and ultimately to the Public Records Office of Victoria. Other collections, such as the Fred Stamp Collection, were assembled by staff who worked at the hospital. The years leading up to the closure of Kew must have been fraught, and many of the items in the hospital were probably destined for hard waste disposal. Dr. Fred Stamp, the last medical superintendent, kept aside or rescued a number of these items, of which this is one. Following his death, his family donated these to the Kew Historical Society. The Society recognises these items to be of lasting historical significance, essentially due to their provenance and to their rarity. Together they (and the Judge and Higgins Collections) are an invaluable aid for researchers of the institutions' histories.Leather bound register listing the numbers of male and female resident staff, male and female patients in the Surgical Unit between December 1969 and June 1983. The manuscript forms part of the Dr. Fred Stamp Collection.Embossed on spine "Numerical Register / Kew"kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere, kew hospital for the insane, dr fred stamp, the fred stamp collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Booklet, Staff Handbook, Willsmere Hospital, Kew, c.1979
The new Kew Lunatic Asylum was completed in 1871 and opened in 1872. The year 1972 marked it's centenary. Over the years, members of staff at the asylum collected records, photographs, publications and plans of the asylum, later hospital. The Society has a number of important collections relating to the asylum and the Children's Cottages. These include the Dr Cliff Judge, the Irena Higgins and the Dr Fred Stamp Collections. This Numerical Register was one of a number of items donated by the family of the late Dr. Fred Stamp who was the last medical superintendent of the Hospital. Dr Frederick Stamp graduated from Bristol Medical School (UK) in 1968. He and his family emigrated to Australia in 1977 to Goulburn (NSW), moving to Melbourne in 1980. He became Superintendent at Willsmere in 1981 until its closure in 1988.Following their closure, the medical records of the Kew Mental Hospital and the Children's Cottages Kew were relocated to the archives of Victorian Government departments and ultimately to the Public Records Office of Victoria. Other collections, such as the Fred Stamp Collection, were assembled by staff who worked at the hospital. The years leading up to the closure of Kew must have been fraught, and many of the items in the hospital were probably destined for hard waste disposal. Dr. Fred Stamp, the last medical superintendent, kept aside or rescued a number of these items, of which this is one. Following his death, his family donated these to the Kew Historical Society. The Society recognises these items to be of lasting historical significance, essentially due to their provenance and to their rarity. Together they (and the Judge and Higgins Collections) are an invaluable aid for researchers of the institutions' histories.Printed Staff Handbook for use at the Kew [Willsmere] Mental Hospital. The image on the cover is dated [19]79, so the handbook post-dates that year.STAFF HANDBOOK / WILLSMERE HOSPITAL / KEWkew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere, kew hospital for the insane, dr fred stamp, the fred stamp collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Document - Souvenir brochure [photocopy], Mental Health Authority (Victoria), Willsmere Hospital (Kew Mental Hospital), Centenary Souvenir Brochure, 1872-1972, 1972
The new Kew Lunatic Asylum was completed in 1871 and opened in 1872. The year 1972 marked it's centenary. Over the years, members of staff at the asylum collected records, photographs, publications and plans of the asylum, later hospital. The Society has a number of important collections relating to the asylum and the Children's Cottages. These include the Dr Cliff Judge, the Irena Higgins and the Dr Fred Stamp Collections. This photocopied brochure is one of a number of items donated by the family of the late Dr. Fred Stamp who was the last medical superintendent of the Hospital. Dr Frederick Stamp graduated from Bristol Medical School (UK) in 1968. He and his family emigrated to Australia in 1977 to Goulburn (NSW), moving to Melbourne in 1980. He became Superintendent at Willsmere in 1981 until its closure in 1988.Following their closure, the medical records of the Kew Mental Hospital and the Children's Cottages Kew were relocated to the archives of Victorian Government departments and ultimately to the Public Records Office of Victoria. Other collections, such as the Fred Stamp Collection, were assembled by staff who worked at the hospital. The years leading up to the closure of Kew must have been fraught, and many of the items in the hospital were probably destined for hard waste disposal. Dr. Fred Stamp, the last medical superintendent, kept aside or rescued a number of these items, of which this is one. Following his death, his family donated these to the Kew Historical Society. The Society recognises these items to be of lasting historical significance, essentially due to their provenance and to their rarity. Together they (and the Judge and Higgins Collections) are an invaluable aid for researchers of the institutions' histories.A photocopy of the Willsmere Hospital (Kew Mental Hospital) Centenary Souvenir Brochure, 1872-1972. The Society also has an original copy in its collection.kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere, kew hospital for the insane, dr fred stamp, the fred stamp collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Newspaper (series) - Willsmere Unit, Staff Newsletters, 1986-1988
Dr Fred Stamp (1981-8) > Rosemary Barnes (2018) > Kew Historical Society (2018)CommunicationProvenance OrderStaff newsletters published between 1986 and 1988. Issued by the Medical Superintendent of the Willsmere Unit. The newsletters were published during the final years of the Willsmere Unit (formerly Kew Asylum) kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere, kew hospital for the insane, dr fred stamp, the fred stamp collectionkew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere, kew hospital for the insane, dr fred stamp, the fred stamp collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Newspaper (series) - Willsmere Unit, Willsmere News 'n Views, 1986-1988
Dr Fred Stamp (1981-88) > Rosemary Barnes (2018) > Kew Historical Society (2018)CommunicationProvenance OrderNewsletters to parents and friends of the Willsmere Unit, created in 1986-1988; the final years of the Unit (formerly Kew Asylum)kew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere, kew hospital for the insane, dr fred stamp, the fred stamp collectionkew lunatic asylum, kew mental hospital, willsmere, kew hospital for the insane, dr fred stamp, the fred stamp collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Album, Kenneth Bailey, Art Therapy Sketchbook : Kew Mental Hospital, 1952-1969
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 Kenneth 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 ***** as a “gift for looking after him”. Herbert Chambers retired from the Kew Asylum in c.1970 after working there for almost thirty years.The Kew Historical Society has been the recipient of a number of important collections relating to the Kew Mental Hospital and the Children's Cottages, Kew, including their former incarnations. This is an important donation in this context as it includes five sketchbooks by a patient in an art therapy program at the Hospital. Art therapy programs were introduced by Dr Eric Cunningham Dax to Victorian asylums in the 1950s. The sketchbooks contain incomplete drawings and finished artworks. The donor believes that the patient who created the sketchbooks suffered from Schizophrenia. The sketchbooks are historically significant as representative examples of works created by patients in the program and for what they reveal about how mental illness may be manifested in a patient's artworks. The most significant repository of comparable works is held by the Dax Centre at Melbourne University.One of five sketchbooks with illustrations by Kenneth Bailey, a patient of the Kew Mental Hospital in an art therapy program, during the 1950s or 1960s. No work is dated although a number of the drawings/paintings are signed with the artist's name. art therapy, kew mental hospital, herbert joseph chambers, dr eric cunningham dax -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Album - Art therapy sketchbook, Kenneth Bailey, Imperial 4to Sketchbook, Kew Mental Hospital, 1952-1969
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 Kenneth 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 **** as a “gift for looking after him”. Herbert Chambers retired from the Kew Asylum in c.1970 after working there for almost thirty years.The Kew Historical Society has been the recipient of a number of important collections relating to the Kew Mental Hospital and the Children's Cottages, Kew, including their former incarnations. This is an important donation in this context as it includes five sketchbooks by a patient in an art therapy program at the Hospital. Art therapy programs were introduced by Dr Eric Cunningham Dax to Victorian asylums in the 1950s. The sketchbooks contain incomplete drawings and finished artworks. The donor believes that the patient who created the sketchbooks suffered from Schizophrenia. The sketchbooks are historically significant as representative examples of works created by patients in the program and for what they reveal about how mental illness may be manifested in a patient's artworks. The most significant repository of comparable works is held by the Dax Centre at Melbourne University.One of five sketchbooks with illustrations by Kenneth Bailey, a patient of the Kew Mental Hospital in an art therapy program, during the 1950s or 1960s. No work is dated although a number of the drawings/paintings are signed with the artist's name. art therapy, kew mental hospital, herbert joseph chambers, dr eric cunningham dax