This standard design life jacket was made by sailmakers Harry West Pty Ltd at Balmain, Sydney, New South Wales from 1930s to 1950s. Harry West - Harry was a chandler, sailmaker and rigger. He made and sold all kinds of canvas and rope goods including sails, awnings and covers. In 1925 he was advertising life buoys but by 1933 he was advertising life jackets. He and his wife Margery had six children. His business was still operating in 1954, when an article on the craft of sailmaking appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald. His sailmaker's loft was located, traditionally, close to Sydney's harbour. Life Jackets - Life jackets were part of the equipment carried by the Life Saving Rescue Crew of South Western Victoria, including Warrnambool, from around 1858 until the 1950s. The purpose of a life jacket is to keep the wearer afloat until he or she is rescued from the water. Life jackets were first invented in 1854 by Captain Ward of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Britain. The early life jackets were filled with cork, which is very buoyant. However, many times he cork caused the jacket to rise up quickly with a force that caused unconsciousness, sometimes turning the person face down in the water , causing them to drown. After the tragic loss of the ship RMS Titanic in 1912 and the lost lives of those onboard, a woman named Orpheus Newman designed the Salvus life jacket (Salvus means safe), which was filled with kapok instead of cork. Kapok comes from seed pods of the Ceiba Pentandra tree and is waterproof as well as buoyant. These Salvus jackets were used by the Royal Navy until new synthetic materials became available around the time of World War II.This life jacket is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Life jacket, canvas covered, with two kapok padded compartments joined by shoulder straps and waist ties. Designed to slip over the head and tie at the waist. Inscriptions on pouches, some stencilled, some hand written, and inspection text on shoulder strap. Made by Harry West Pty Ltd., Sailmakers, Balmain, Sydney.Stencilled on pockets: “- - - NDARD / LIFE JACKET” [STANDARD LIFE JACKET], “HARRY WEST PTY LTD / SAILMAKERS / BALMAIN, SYDNEY” Stamped on shoulder strap: "XM3271RC" Hand painted on pocket: “DAVIES”flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, captain ward, royal national lifeboat instution, kapok, life jacket, orpheus newman, salvus jacket, life saving, rescue, rescue crew, l.s.r.c., life saving equipment, marine technology, lifeboat, shipwreck victim, vintage, harry west, balmain, sydney, davies, standard life jacket, survivor, shipwreck, sailmakers, harry west pty ltd

Graphic illustration of group of protest marchers holding banners against a background of the Aboriginal flag; text in black."Right to march dance : Balmain Town Hall : [featuring] Kamakazi Kidz - Mental as Anything. Defend the right to organise. Smash Bjelke's ban. Proceeds to Qld Bail Fund."

Some of the people in the photo are said to be members of the Balmain family. James and his wife Amy Sophia (nee D' Alton) had three children. Amy died suddenly in 1902 at the age of 37. See p45 Bridging the Gap.Photo shows group of people seated and standing by a waterfall,three men seated on top of waterfall, next level a man and a young woman ( who is holding a hiking stick), top level a man and woman both holding hiking sticks. In front of them seated on a rock is a woman holding a hat. on her lap Waterfall is split into three and they flow over a larger rocky platform.Balmains c1900recreation, bush-walking

Black & white half photograph of two young women. Both are wearing high neck white dresses. Both are wearing a necklace. One has a cross on it. One is also wearing a badge below the cross. Both have long hair, one with sausage curls and a bow. On the back is written: To dear Uncle Bob with love from Annie & Maggie. Balmain.Sidney R--, Rozelle & Rossetti Studios, Balmainphotograph, portrait, female, foster & wilson collection, photograph

The Lady Barbara Grimwade Costume Collection is comprised of Lady Barbara Grimwade's personal apparel and includes 145 pieces of clothing, 10 hats, 19 handbags, 66 pairs of shoes and assorted accessories of gloves, belts and scarves. In its breadth, this significant acquisition ranges from the mundane to the memorable, therefore giving a balanced representation of one person's taste. Following Lady Barbara Grimwade’s death in March 1990, Ararat Gallery formally accepted the generous gift of clothing and accessories donated by Lady Grimwade's son, Mr Angus K Grimwade, on 28 August 1991. Subsequent smaller donations in 1995 enhanced the collection. Lady Grimwade's Scottish forebears, the Gaerloch Campbells, first settled in Australia in 1861 in the Ararat-Beaufort district. Her great great grandfather, Mr Henry Campbell, died on the voyage to Australia. His widow, Jane, with 10 of her 13 children, farmed and grazed land, firstly at Stockyard Hill then at Fiery Creek, near Buangor, before leaving the shire in 1873. Lady Grimwade held a privileged position in Melbourne society. As the wife of Sir Andrew Grimwade, a prominent businessman, Chairman of several boards and a Trustee of various committees, Lady Grimwade met with royalty, heads of state, politicians, corporate directors, and horse and cattle breeders. Excerpt from 'Hot Pink Summers' catalogue essay, Helen Jackson, 1995.

Framed portrait of Tilly Aston who began the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, a forerunner to the Association for the Blind. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Tilly sits with one hand resting against a table, and the other in her lap. She is wearing a black collared dress with a white lace neck ruff held with an opal pin. Two medals (the Jubilee medal and Coronation medal) are pinned to the chest, each consisting of a red and white bowtie with a brass medallion. Tilly Aston was born in Carisbrook, Victoria, in 1873. When she was very young her parents noticed she was having problems with her vision. They took her to a doctor who diagnosed her with no sight in her right eye and the prognosis of loss of vision in the left eye. As a result of this she was totally blind by the age of 7. Despite this her parents endeavoured to give Tilly as many of life’s advantages that their limited means could supply. From an early age she was taught singing, music, poetry, arithmetic, encouraged to read and observe the natural world around her and be independent. At the age of 8 she was sent to the Asylum and School for the Blind (later called the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind). She excelled in a wide range of subjects and matriculated in 1889. With the help of a public fund was able to attend Melbourne University, being the first blind Australian to do so. Unfortunately the lack of Braille text books made it impossible for Tilly to continue her studies and she left in second year. Tilly was determined that other blind people would not have the same negative experience she had had. In 1894 she organised a meeting to form the Victorian Association of Braille Writers with the aim of producing and supplying Braille to blind Victorians. Braille was produced by trained volunteers with ? recruited in the first six month. Other rights and services for blind people remained very limited. In 1895 Tilly organised a meeting, which formed the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia). The Association was instrumental in obtaining many benefits for blind people including a blind pension, voting rights and transport concessions. It also established the first nursing homes for blind people, at a time when many blind people were homeless and destitute. Tilly went on to be Australia’s first blind teacher. She was also a very talented musician, author of seven books and was very gifted at arts and crafts. She knew Esperanto and corresponded with people all around the world including Helen Keller. Tilly passed away on November 1st 1947. Her legacy continues through the work Vision Australia which provides services for thousands of blind Australians. A memorial bell dedicated to her is also situated in the King Domain Gardens. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Miss Matilda (Tilly) A. Aston / President 1904, 1910, 1943 to 1947/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, association for the blind, tilly aston

Framed portrait of Howard (Pat) M. Lightfoot (1904-1991), who was the President of the Association for the Blind in 1952-1954 and 1964-1972 respectively. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Lightfoot is seated, with his hands clasped, and wears a gray jacket, grey collared shirt, green woolen vest and red tie. There is a name plate attached at the base of the painting with his name and dates of appointment. Signed by the artist in the lower, right-hand corner.1 art original in gold frameMr Howard (Pat) M. Lightfoot OBE President 1952-54, 1964-72 Association for the Blindassociation for the blind, h.m. lightfoot

Framed portrait of Diana J. Jones who the first female president of the Association for the Blind since Tilly Aston. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mrs Jones sits facing the painter with both hands clasped in her lap. She is wearing a black double breasted blazer, white shirt, blue beaded necklace and earrings and a gold bracelet . A white kerchief sits in her breast pocket. Diana Jones served for 8 years on the General Committee before being elected President. During this time she was deputy chairman of the Reach Out Appeal to raise funds for the building program and President of the Honorary Services Group which co-ordinated volunteers and gave them a spokesperson on the General Committee. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. She passed away in July 2009.1 art original in gold frame The plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Dame Diana J. Jones, AM DSJ / President 1984- 1992 / Association for the Blind'. association for the blind, diana jones

Framed portraits of Janet and John Wicking, whose combined talents and passion, helped the Association for the Blind expand services and operations to reach more Victorians who were blind or had a vision impairment. 2 art originals in gold painted framesassociation for the blind, janet wicking, john wicking, artwork

This object relates to SGT Francis John BALMAIN VX133588, 2/1 AUST FORESTRY COYSilver engraved - "HQ R.A.E. 2ND DIV."; Note from Sgt F J Balmain reads "A memento of my 21st Birthday Darwin 24.10.1943 at Coomalie Creek"second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, collectables, ballarat rsl, ballarat

Howard Murray (Pat) Lightfoot (1904-1991) served as President for the Association for the Blind in 1952-1954 and 1964-1972 respectively. He joined the Association in 1938 as a sighted member of the General Committee, and was part of the group that dealt with the breakdown of a uneasy financial agreement that existed between the RVIB and AAB, the incorporation of the AAB under the Charities Act and the development of a rehabilitation centre at Kooyong for those who wished to have support without a residential component. After losing his father at an early age, Pat Lightfoot began working as an office boy for Nicholas Pty Ltd, later studying and becoming an accountant - such skills highly needed by the newly incorporated Association. According to 'No Sight, Great Vision', he was a highly skilled communicator, whose friendly and approachable manner won over most of those who opposed his presence on the general committee due to his sight. His support for and recognition of the work done by Mr Paterson led to him standing aside for the position of President and nominating his friend until the Committee overrode him in 1952. His appointment signaled a change in how the organisation was run, and introduced John Wilson as Secretary as well as Stan Horsfall as Treasurer in 1953, which helped move the administration style from social volunteering to business thinking. Health concerns caused him to resign in 1954, however when his health improved he rejoined the Committee in 1958 and again became a key worker in keeping the organisation financially healthy. The "H.M. Lightfoot Centre" - a two storey building attached to Paterson Hall was named after him. This image was provided when J Balmain was approached to paint a portrait of Mr Lightfoot, for the centenary celebrations of the AFB, as per the letter.1 portrait photograph of Howard (Pat) Lightfoot and 1 associated letter regarding usage for a portrait by Balmain.Mr H.M. (Pat) Lightfoot - (Past President) 1" Deep (No. 2) Association for the Blind 7 Mair Street Brighton Beach, 3188 Please return to PR Department (arrow pointing to left) 14 ems (arrow pointing to right) 1.95 .1 100# Ticket No: 5230 Client: Abaris 100# Wanted: Tues 19th AM Mounted: as layout and sticker 43 1/4% Please Quote No: BA 9105 Laurie Richards 4 Tower Ave, Alphington 3078 489-8528 48-5541h.m. lightfoot, association for the advancement of the blind, association for the blind

The Kew Historical Society's Pictures Collection is comprised of photographs, postcards and original works of art. The postcards include original (mainly) images dating from the 1900s to the present. A number of postcards, some of which have numerous variants, were published as parts of series. Others are original images customised as postcards. Many of the postcards in the collection depict places within the suburbs of Kew and Kew East. Others depict locations in Victoria or internationally. A monochrome postcard showing Main Street [High Street], Kew, looking south west from near its junction with Cotham Road, showing: Ryan’s Council Family Hotel, T. G. Jellis (baker, confectioner), Herbert King (undertaker), L. Merritt (boot warehouse), horse tram, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians.Post card text addressed to Miss Newell of Balmain.high street - kew, cotham road - kew, tramways - kew

A brown wooden award depicting a wooden lawn bowls ball with two white metal canes crossed behind it. The award is inscribed with the following individual silver plates: Frank Yates Trophy -- Charlestown -- 8/6/63 J. McDonald, C. Dodd, R. Bramble, S. Mascord -- 5/10/63 J. McDonald, C. Dodd, R. Bramble, S. Mascord -- Balmain -- 13/6/64 C. Harlinar, R. O'Connor, H. Hussey, F. Yeats -- A. Snowden, K. Barron, D.Evans, P. Gilbert 1964 -- Balmain B.B.C. 9/4/72 -- William St. Blind W.B.C. Balmain 10/2/74 -- Balmain BBC 8/4/78 -- B.S.W.B.C. Enfield 1979 -- William St. Blind W.B.C. Balmain 31/5/70 -- Balmain B.B.C. 14/2/71 -- Partially Blinded Solders Assoc. NSW Branch -- Blind Women William Street v Blind Men Balmain -- Balmain Blind Bowling Combination -- P.B.S.A. 4 Rinks 22/8/65 -- William St. Blind W.B.C. Belfield B.C. 23/6/68 -- B.B.B.C. 1975 -- Balmain B.C. 15/10/67 -- B.B.B.C. 4 Rinks 27/2/66 -- Blamin B.B.C. 2/3/69 -- Balmain Charlestown -- Balmain B.B.C. 12/10/69.Digital image of wooden shield with smaller silver plaques and wooden ball top crossed by mini white canesawards, royal blind society of new south wales

BHS CollectionBlack and white photo postcard showing Showboat on Sydney Harbour. Written on back in pencil 'L(?) Jack, 31 York St, Balmain(?) East and GRS Field, 72 Sung(?) St, Kings Cross.cottage, miners

The name " Balmain " has been attributed to the photo, James Balmain and his wife, Amy Sophia [D'Alton} purchased a vacant school cottage from the area and moved it to their land and called it Bellfield. Amy died at age 37, James returned to Scotland with their 3 children.Photo shows 2 women sitting on a rock formation, both are wearing hats adorned with flowers and appear to be wearing long skirts and high buttoned blouses. They are both holding sticks which seem to be decorated with flowers,recreation, bush-walking

1880-1902 Land owned by Robert and Sarah Graham who owned a large portion of land best described as Upper Fyans Valley. At some time after 1880, they sold a parcel of the land under Sundial Peak to David Austin who built a slab hut. C1896, The land was sold to James and Amy Balmain which they named 'Bellfield' Amy was a daughter of John D/Alton who built the Stawell Water Supply System. Balmain purchased the vacant school cottage at Burnt Bridge and moved it to 'Bellfield' Over the next six years the house was enlarged to accommodate their growing family but sold in 1902 following the death of Amy Balmain.House with addition People leaving house by horse and carriage, people standing in groundsState Library Victoria, Rose's Australasian Views Victorian Series photographed and published by George Rose 123 Chapel St., Windsor, Victoriabuildings, houses, bellfield

The ‘Thornton Estate’ was the final subdivision of ‘Thornton’ in Studley Park Road. Thomas Cubitt Balmain originally owned Thornton, next to John Carson’s ‘Clutha’. Before its final subdivision, the Thomson family owned it. The Estate was a subdivision of 15 residential allotments running between Studley Park Road and Stevenson Street. The allotments faced these streets as well as Thornton Street, which the vendor undertook to make. Contemporary newspaper advertisements advised that ‘The estate possesses many advantages, notably its private and secluded, though convenient, position, splendid frontages and depths, and being close to the electric tram and Kew train, also within easy walking distance of the Victoria-street cable tram’. The terms offered purchasers were ten per cent deposit, with the balance to be paid in ten equal half-yearly payments at a rate of 5 per cent.The ‘Thornton Estate’ was the final subdivision of ‘Thornton’ in Studley Park Road. Thomas Cubitt Balmain originally owned Thornton, next to John Carson’s ‘Clutha’. Before its final subdivision, the Thomson family owned it. The Estate was a subdivision of 15 residential allotments running between Studley Park Road and Stevenson Street. The allotments faced these streets as well as Thornton Street, which the vendor undertook to make. Contemporary newspaper advertisements advised that ‘The estate possesses many advantages, notably its private and secluded, though convenient, position, splendid frontages and depths, and being close to the electric tram and Kew train, also within easy walking distance of the Victoria-street cable tram’. The terms offered purchasers were ten per cent deposit, with the balance to be paid in ten equal half-yearly payments at a rate of 5 per cent.subdivision plans - kew, thornton estate, studley park road -- kew (vic.), thornton avenue -- kew (vic.), stevenson street -- kew (vic.)

James Hutchinson (Jim) Davidson (1902-1982), band leader, was born on 6 August 1902 at Balmain, Sydney. Davidson opened the winter season of 1933 at Sydney’s Palais Royal Dance Hall, which drew crowds of 10,000 a week.The phonograph disc record was the primary medium used for music reproduction until late in the 20th century, replacing the phonograph cylinder record—with which it had co-existed from the late 1880s through to the late 1920s. Records retained the largest market share even when new formats such as compact cassette were mass-marketed. By the late 1980s, digital media, in the form of the compact disc, had gained a larger market share, and the vinyl record left the mainstream in 1991. This item is an example of music popular in the 1930's.Double sided black disc with a single central hole. Side A is "Goody-Goody - Fox" and Side B is "I Love To Sing-a-Fox Trot". both are performed by Jim Davidson & His New Palais Royal Orchestra with Vocal Chorus.C22871gramophone-record music davidson-jim dance-music

Tilly Aston wearing both of the Coronation Medals for Distinguished Citizenry that she was awarded in 1935 and 1937. This photograph was used for her portrait by John Balmain. She sits with one arm resting upon a table, looking to her right hand side.B/W photograph and negative in various tones of Tilly Aston wearing her medalstilly aston, medals

Soft cardboard cover. Black, blue & white print on front & spine. Bluish black & white photo of HMAS AE1 in Fitzroy Dock at Cockatoo Island, Sydney on front cover. Sepia photo of HMAS AE1 off Balmain Sydney on back cover. 82 pages, cut, white, plain. Illustrated with black / white & colour photos, maps & diagrams.book, hmas, ae1 submarine

Tilly Aston wearing both of the Coronation Medals for Distinguished Citizenry that she was awarded in 1935 and 1937. This photograph was possibly taken at the same time as the profile image used by John Balmain for his portrait of her. She wears a brocaded black top, with a pin in the lapel and a necklace holding a single bead.B/W photograph of woman wearing medalsGainsborough ... embossed on lower right cornertilly aston, medals, gainsborough studio

The original building situated to the right and rear of this complex was moved from Upper Halls Gap C1896. It was bought by James Balmain as a private residence having previously been a school. Additions were made to 'Bellfield' over the next 10-12 years and it became a guest house in 1910 when purchased by Mrs Matilda Thompson. It is likely that she is one of the ladies in the photograph. The message written on the one post card is: "wishing you the best of luck. and a speedy return to Halls Gap and good health from The Bakeryites. Front aspect of Bellfield Guesthouse with 3 ladies and 3 gentlemen on the veranda Wonderland Range in background, One post card has hand written message Total of 4 original postcards and 2 copies of sameThe Rose Series P 1666 Postcard with greetings message reads:" To Mr Ross, Wishing you the best of luck and a speedy return to Halls' Gap and good health from the Bakerites:accommodation, guesthouses, bellfield

Calendar 1975 - 28 pages - black and white photos except for the front cover. Produced by the Sydney Tramway Museum. Features photographs of various Australasian Tramway Systems: Ballarat 34 and Adelaide 111 at the St Kilda Tramway Museum Dunedin 61 Ballarat 37 at the City terminus Bulimba Power Station electric locomotive Newcastle 383 Darling St Balmain Perth Trolley Bus 21 Perth 55 Melbourne Tait train Launceston 26 Sydney Suburban train Adelaide 365 Brisbane 293 VR 28 Geelong 14 - at Eastern Park Sydney tramway museum tramways, trams, ballarat, adelaide, newcastle, sydney, dunedin tramways, brisbane, perth, trolley buses, melbourne, launceston, victorian railways, geelong, tram 14, tram 37, tram 34