The Gregory Hall was built on the grounds of All Saints Uniting Church, Chapel Street, East St Kilda in 1910-11. It was used for assemblies and classes at the All Saints' Grammar School which, after faltering fortunes, closed in1937. It was then leased to Zercho's Business College, founded in 1911 by Frederick William Zercho (the brother of Charles Henry Zercho, who was headmaster of the All Saints Grammar School in 1913-1919). The certificate, dated 16 August 1938, is a birthday greeting addressed to F. W. Zercho that also acknowledges one year since the establishment of the Gregory Hall branch of the college. It is signed by the headmistress, staff and students. Zercho's Business College became the largest business college in Australia. In 1968 it was sold to Stott's Business College.Two page certificate in leather bound folder: two sheets of white paper, handwritten and decorated with ink of multiple colours and each affixed to a board. The boards are covered with blue-dyed leather, decorated with gold ink, and were once joined together to form an outer cover for the pages. One sheet carries on one side a message to FW Zercho Esq that has been written in decorative calligraphy, and signatures. The second sheet carries decorative artwork and a list of signatures on each side as well as a sepia photograph.gregory hall, all saints church, all saints anglican church st kilda, frederick zercho, schools

Rev FW KrohnRev FW Krohn. Prahran Congregational Church 1935-42. Gift of Prahran Historical Society November 2000

Extract from 1954 Ringwood Mail. The business was located at 409 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood

p.188.non-fictionBehind the Japanese lines in Burma - An account of the most amazing military experiment in World War Twoorde wingate 1903-1944, world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - burma

xviii, 308 p.; 25 cmnon-fictionA sequel to The Good Country by Niel Gunsen.shire of cranbourne, cranbourne (vic.), city of casey,

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of 161 (Indep) Recce flight Officers, in a playful mood. Standing (L to R) Lt Ross Hutchinson (RW), Lt Kev Peacock (RW & FW), 2Lt Peter Garton (FW), 2Lt Don Trick (Operations), 2Lt Blair Weaver (RW), 2Lt Mike Meehan (RW), 2Lt Ross Goldspink (RW). 2Lt Dave McFerran (FW), Sitting (L to R) 2Lt Tom "Rockets" Guivarra MID (FW), Capt Bernie Forrest (Sect. Comd FW), Capt Phil Roberts (2IC), Maj George Constable (O.C.)(FW & RW)(Kia) Capt Peter Robinson (Engr. Officer) Capt John Coggin DFC (RW), 2Lt Adam Frisch (RW). Note (FW = Fixed Wing and RW = Rotary Wingphotograph, 161 recon flt, lt ross hutchinson, lt kev peacock, 2lt peter garton, 2lt don trick, 2lt blair weaver, 2lt mike meehan, 2lt ross goldspink, 2lt dave mcferran, 2lt tom "rockets" guivarra, capt bernie forrest, capt phil roberts, maj george constable, capt peter robinson, capt john coggin, 2lt adam frisch, gibbons collection catalogue, fight officers, denis gibbons

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities, are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Savage Tales Author: Lewis Lett Publisher: FW Cheshire Pty Ltd Date: 1946 The label on the spine cover with typed text R.A.823.914 LET Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library.flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, savage tales, lewis lett

Re. Dr. Ernest F.W. Swan started in ministry in Victoria but went to America to serve a nondenominational church in Piedmont, Oakland.Matte, black and white, head and shoulders, studio portrait of Rev. Dr. Ernest FW Swan.Rev E.F.W Swan MA 1962swan, e.f.w

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities, are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Rosebowl Author: Aubrey H. L. Gibson. Illustrated by R. Malcolm Warner Publisher: FW Cheshire Date: 1952 The label on the spine cover with typed text RH 910.4 GIB Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the rosebowl, aubrey h. l. gibson., r. malcolm warner

Possession of POW at war campDecorative silver & black military? medal in form of cross with dates 1813,1914, crowns, leaf design, FW & W embossedtatura, numismatics, medals, military

Fw 190A-3 (Werk Nr 0313) at Farnborough, Hampshire, summer 1942. Faber's Fw 190A-3 now with British markings and being test flown by the RAF. There is no doubt that its study and that of the engine measurably assisted in the development of the Centaurus installation design of the Typhoon II (later to become the Tempest II, and eventually the Hawker Fury). Nevertheless its capture in no way compromised the appearance of the much faster A-4, and no doubt gave false confidence in the Spitfire IX's ability to out-fly the Fw 190. Rectangular shaped glass covered photo frame

Catholic Youth Rally of 1943 Sunday 24 October 1943, 11:50 AM Letter from FW Lombard to MMTB advising of event and requesting permission to display advertising material on trams. Letter also informs that bus services along Johnston St were inadequate for the number of people attending from the Northern suburbs. Memos dated 9 September 1943."Copy Mr Harry for information and attention. WR 10/9/43" written in top left corner in red ink.trams, tramways, events, festival, johnston st

The History of Ballarat Has name Carl Archibald on front end page Author: William Bramwell Withers, Publisher: FW Niven and Co Date: 1877 Label on spine with typed text RA 994.53 WIT warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the history of ballarat, carl archibald, william bramwell withers

Catholic Youth Rally at Xavier College Sunday 20th October 1946 1 - Letter from FW Lomard to MMTB advising of event and requesting permission to display advertising material on trams. Letter dated 27 September 1946. 2 - Memo from JM Harry, District Traffic Supt SS, to Mr Kazoletti, Malvern Depot advising of service details and tram requirements. Memo dated 15 October 1946."Mr Harry for information and attention. WR 30/9/46" written in top left corner in black ink. "Catholic Youth Rally Xavier College - Sun 20/10/46" written in blue pencil. Various pencil notations on letter and memo in black pencil.trams, tramways, events, festival, catholic church, cotham rd, malvern depot

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Sepia photograph of a man dressed in a suit, leaning back against a large canon on wheels. The man is Frank Wright and the place is Black Hill, Ballarat.Written on the back in pencil - FW, Taken on Black Hill by Lin Jenkins, Jan 1929 Printed on back - Kodak Printfrank wright, lin jenkins, black hill, ballarat, canon

Black and bronze 2nd Class Iron Cross from1914. With black and white cotton ribbon attached. ( Eisernes Kreuz 2 Klasse ).Obverse side has crown above the letter W with 1914 beneath. Reverse side has crown above FW over oakleaves and 1813 beneath.

Ballarat and Vicinity Hand written on inside front loose end paper "Presented by Walter Davies Esq Warrnambool December 1928" Edited by W. B. Kimberly of Chicago U.S.A. Publisher: FW Niven & Co Label on spine cover with typed text RA 994.57 BAL Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Museumwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, ballarat and vicinity, w. b. kimberly

Ballarat and Vicinity bound into later quarter leather binding with book label of Inside front cover and stamp of original owner Muedal on original cover. Edited by W. B. Kimberly of Chicago U.S.A. and published by FW Niven & Co.non-fictionBallarat and Vicinity. A comprehensive history of her past , a resume of her resources, together with the biographies of her representative pioneers.. Edited by W. B. Kimberly and others of Chicago U.S.A. This copy has later twentieth century binding probably commissioned by book collector Rollo Hammett. Publisher: FW Niven & Co.ballarat, niven, eureka

This letter from A. Fabinyi contains copies of a review of "The Walls Around Us" and other articles which reference "The Australian Ugliness" and Robin Boyd. FW Cheshire are the publishers of "The Australian Ugliness" and "The Walls Around Us".

Black and white photograph of 22 Sinclair St c1950s. Handwritten note by Claire Barton 22/10/2010. Includes reference to Sands and McDougall showing that FW Owen resided at the property from 1950 – 1970.sinclair st, owen fw, elsternwick, barton claire

Colour print of a former Melbourne Z class tram 2 at Hervey Bay? Qld 1/2011. This location may not be correct. See https://tdu.to/m/252621/fw-wed-20-6-18-daily-digest access 24/7/2020 for further details.On rear in ink "Kalabie? (Qld) Z tram 1/2011"trams, tramways, z class, preserved trams, tram 2

The story is that the medal was given to an Australian soldier by a wounded German in the field. The German soldier wanted to give it to someone before he died so his body would not be looted. The soldier died.German Iron Cross 2nd class 1813-1914 Medal has two faces, front has a crown over letters "FW", a floral arrangement centre under the numbers"1813" Rear has a crown, on top the letter "W", centre under the letters "1914" Attached is a Black and White Ribbon. medals, awards, german

General Electric turbocharger model B-22 was fitted externally to a Pratt & Whitney R1930 14 cylinder twin wasp radial air-cooled engine for the supply of air at an increased pressure to the carburetor intake. This enabled the B-24 Liberator to maintain a maximum 1300HP at takeoff from sea level to 30,000 ft. ceiling and at high altitude.Round metal supercharger with inlet and outlet.General Electric turbo super charger. GE Ser. No. 872144 FW, A Setting 6, Assembly OD WW 8456556, Model 75-B22-A6 AF Contract or Purchase Order W33-038AC-1699, Spec. H-285022-22 Schenectady Made in US

Book prepared for the Centenary of the Tramways Friendly Society in 1988 by Catherine M Grutzner. Contains a history of the Society, its formation, principal officers and facilities such as Vimy House. Includes photos of the 1908 and 1988 Committee, Operating Theatres, Vimy House both South Melbourne and Kew, the opening of Kew by the Premier Mr Hamer, Director of Nursing Mrs Maria Hubble, Sr Mary McDonnell, Society Secretaries - Mr BFM Wells, Mr JEF Worrell, Mr L J Nelson, Mr WL Marher, Mr FW Smith, JJ Long, Mr KE Cooper, Chairman of Hospital Committee - Mr RJW Brown. Provides a list of Office Bearers, treasurers, Secretaries, Trustees, and the 1988 Committee of Management. Includes photos of trams and buses and a metal cable tram pass issued to the Committee of Management. Yields information about the Tramways Benefit Society and Vimy HouseBook - 24 pages + card covers centre stapled landscape format.tbs, benefit society, tramway benefit society, friendly society, centenary, vimy house

This operating table belonged to the famous gynaecological surgeon Dr Victor Bonney and was given to Dr Frank Forster in 1953 by his widow Mrs Annie Bonnie, a distant relative of Forster's. Dr Victor Bonney (1872 - 1953) followed his father into medicine and trained at St Bartholomew's and the Middlesex Hospitals. Writing his obituary in 1953, FW Roques said of Bonney that he "'made three great gifts to surgery. First, he was the pioneer of myomectomy; second, with Berkeley, he extended and perfected Wertheim's operation for carcinoma of the cervix; and third, he devised a fine surgical technique emulated by so many of his pupils. To theatre sisters, labour-ward sisters and young house-surgeons he will always be remembered as the discoverer of 'Bonney's Blue' [antiseptic solution].'" Bonney's utilitarian, portable operating table has a round, worn scrubbed patch showing traces of his famous blue solution.This portable operating table was owned and used by pioneering gynaecological surgeon Sir Victor Bonney in London, U.K. c 1900. Dr Bonney employed two theatre sisters and had two sets of instruments and portable operating tables. This made it possible for Dr Bonney to 'complete three or more operations a day by rotating staff and equipment with a chauffeur driven Lanchester or Rolls Royce', delivering them from one house to the next. The donor of the operating table, the late Dr Frank Forster, was a distant relative of Sir Victor Bonney's widow, Annie Appleyard, formerly of Tasmania. When he visited her in the UK after Bonney's death, she offered the operating table to Dr Forster for the RANZCOG Museum. It was still in a canvas bag in the boot of one of Bonney's cars. Sir Victor Bonney was the pioneer of myomectomy, the surgical procedure for removing uterine fibroids. In collaboration with Berkeley, he extended and perfected Wertheim's operation for carcinoma of the cervix. Bonney was an influential teacher, developing and promoting conservatism of surgical technique (minimal intervention) that has had a lasting influence in modern surgical practice. To theatre-sisters, labour-ward sisters and young house-surgeons he will always be remembered as the discoverer of Bonney's Blue an antiseptic that was characteristically blue.Portable, laminated operating table. Plywood rectangular table with two laminated plywood extensions, a head board, and a foot board. At the foot board are insets of canvas straps to support a patient's ankles. Two detachable stirrup poles, each with a canvas strap attached, fit into two holes at the lower end of the table. The table is supported by two timber trellis cross braces with metal bars, and supported at the centre by a metal rod that allows the table to pivot up and down. Two metal arcs with a locking mechanism fix the table at the desired elevation, allowing a Trendelenburg tilt ( a 45 degree tilt, with the patient's head downwards.) The operating table is demountable for transportation and re-assembly.obstetric delivery