Annual reports for the SIBI in a bound volume.1 volume, illustrationssydney industrial blind institution, annual reports

This oil painting of the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution (later Royal Blind Society of New South Wales) at William Street was painted by F.R. Fowler in 1976. It was inspired by an original drawing done by Adam Stephan c1890. The building was erected between 1876 and 1879 and was designed by Edmund Blacket. It was funded through a generous bequest by John William Wood. The Institution provided the first employment training in NSW for people who were blind or vision impaired.Oil painting in wooden frame with nameplate at baseThe Sydney Industrial Blind Institution 1879f.r. fowler, sydney industrial blind institution, artwork

Annual reports for the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution, including a price list and catalogue of items manufactured by the workers.1 volume, illustrationssydney industrial blind institution

This tablet is in grateful appreciation of the generous exceptional assistance afforded the committee - The - Sydney Industrial Blind Institution - by the - Director of the Sun Newspaper in the Industrial "Blind Appeal" whereby a sum of over 18000 pounds was raised to carry on and extend the Institution's work for the amelioration of the blind.Gold coloured metal sheet with black writing mounted on woodsydney industrial blind institution, nameplates

Side view of a double-storey, sandstone builidng with lawn, most likely the original building designed by Edmund Blacket for the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution in Boomerang Street. The artist has signed and dated the right-hand corner and has written 'Deaf and Dumb'.Watercolour and goucache over pencil in gold frameM Jonesm jones, sydney industrial blind institution

To recognise the achievements of those who undertook and completed a transcription course, this certificate was awarded to "a duly qualified Braille writer and competent to transcribe Books for the Blind", by the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution. These volunteers were involved in the expansion of the library as they created Braille from the print version of texts. 20/10/1917 - Elizabeth Harris. Signed by the President Thomas Anderson Stuart illegible date (1921-1932) - Mollie Turner. Signed by the President Sir Alfred Meeks.Cream page attached to cardboard with col. illustrationsFrame with garden decorations around writing, and a white flower/waratah/blue bird/Braille board sits amongst wattle in various corners. A B/W image of the Sydney Industrial Blind Institute building in William Street sits above the main text, whilst two women reading or using Braille and a building labelled 'Library for the Blind' sit to the left and right of the frame.sydney industrial blind institution, mollie turner, elizabeth harris

In 1875 John William Wood left a legacy of 5000 pounds for a building to be erected for the benefit of people who were blind. A site near William Street was agreed upon, and building commenced of a two storey sandstone in Boomerang Street. Some months after its completion, a public meeting was held to inaugurate the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution, outline its rules and regulations and elect a board of management. To publicise it's work and gain donor support, the SIBI produced an annual report outlining the finances, facilities and programs offered.1 volume, illustrationssydney industrial blind institution

Portraits of the 14 men who comprised of the Committee of Management for the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution. The largest photograph is of a bearded man writing at a desk (Rt Hon Sir Alfred Stephen PC GCMG CB President). Directly above him (in clockwise direction), J Dawson Hon Tresr, W. Beaumont, J W Hood, J F Weller, Thos Buckland, R L Tooth, A E Tooth, John J Keep. A second row extends below this (from left to right) E O Smith, A W Weeks, E Sinclair Hon Sec, Arthur Blacket, A Consett Stephen.1 framed mounting board with 14 sepia toned portraitssydney industrial blind institution, sir alfred stephen

Articles in the annual report include: excitement around the acceptance of Helen Keller to visit Australia under the auspices of the Institution and to lay the foundation stone for the Helen Keller Hostel for Blind Women, establishment of an Occupational Therapy Department for crafts under the guide of Miss T Odillo Maher, additional of Rivis Mead to the Honour Roll, Roy Kippax has been honoured by the R.S.S. and A.I.L.A., difficulties in securing materials and stoppages due to shortages in utilities, popularity of talking book machines, recruitment for volunteer drivers to help Home Teaching department, continuing success of 2GB 'Glow Worm' radio program and the passing of former President Ernest A Scott and blinded soldier and Commercial Representative W.L. Jones.1 volume of text and imagescorporation records, royal sydney industrial blind institution, rivis mead, helen keller, roy kippax, occupational therapy, goodie reeve, ernest scott, w l jones, terry odillo maher

Articles in the annual report include: the official opening of the Helen Keller Hostel for Blind Women by the Governor General, the inauguration of a northern branch in Newcastle, improvements in the recreation area behind William Street, extension of 'diversional' (occupational) therapy department, formation of the Braille Writers of NSW, retirement of H.W. Thompson as Honorary Librarian - a position he has held for 40 years, Roy Kippax became Chief Librarian, the resignation of A.J. Harris as Superintendent, talking books were in constant demand for those not able to read embossed type, S.L. Kerry joined the Home Teaching department, the garden at the Helen Keller hostel was designed by F Walker from Woollahra Council with rare herbs donated by Charles Noake, a nursery has also been established at the hostel for blind babies and currently twins are being cared for by special staff, a pro-type scheme whereby blind children could attend kindergarten has been trialed and proven most successful, the 15 minute 'Glow Worm' session celebrated it's 11th birthday and continues to provide valuable airtime to the Institution with listeners able to donate sufficient monies to furnish a double bedroom at the hostel in a recent appeal, the workshops were in full production except during the six week coal strike however wages were continued to paid regardless of this, improvements to lighting, hot water systems, lockers and ovens were added to the workshops, and the playing area was levelled and re-grassed giving improved facilities for lunch time cricket.13 typewritten pages bound into a book of annual reportscorporation records, royal sydney industrial blind institution, helen keller hostel, cricket, roy kippax, herbert thompson, a.j. harris, f walker, charles noake, goodie reeve, braille writers association of new south wales, stuart kerry

Articles in the annual report include: the supply of building materials for a Hostel for Blind Women (courtesy of guest speaker Hon. Clive Evatt), inability to secure a holiday property has resulted in a holiday benefit fund being established to pay the costs for a blind person and their guide, the upcoming addition of an Occupational Therapist on staff, to establish an Honour Roll for outstanding services to the blind, the continuance of the 'Glow Worm' radio broadcast on 2GB, and that despite good sales, manufacturing continues to run at a loss compared to commercial factories.1 volume of text and imagescorporation records, royal sydney industrial blind institution, k l barry, j eyre, e vance

Articles in the annual report include: the visit by Helen Keller and Polly Thompson to Australia and laying the foundation stone for the hostel, completion of the hostel and appeal for funds to furnish it as well as purchase machinery for printing books in Braille, establishing a kindergarten and providing a recreation ground, lodgment of an application for 6 acres of land at Matraville as a recreation ground - especially cricket as the team has been hosted by Victoria and Queensland and look forward to entertaining these teams on a home ground, home teachers Roy Kippax, W A Davis and C R Rae continue to work across the state and it is hoped that a branch will be established in the Newcastle area to provide extra service to the northern district, the occupational therapy department is growing in demand however Terry Odillo Maher had to relinquish her position and Margaret Lester has taken on the role, the 'Glow Worn' sessions continue on 2GB with musicians presenting their talents for the general public to enjoy, baskets, brooms and mats continue to be made in our industrial workshops, departure of Secretary A E Stephen and addition of A F Albert to the committee.9 typewritten pages bound into a book of annual reportscorporation records, royal sydney industrial blind institution, helen keller, polly thompson, helen keller hostel, cricket, terry odillo maher, margaret lester, roy kippax, w.a. davis, c.r. rae, goodie reeve, alexis albert, a.e. stephen, 2gb

Articles in the annual report include: occupation of the Helen Keller hostel by 22 residents, in order to expand the supply of Braille books selected long-term prisoners in one gaol began tuition in Braille writing and have transcribed 33 volumes in 7 months, it is expected that the Braille Printing Press ordered from England three years ago will arrive before the end of 1951, the Braille Writers Association of NSW are adding greatly to the work done by volunteer transcribers, the home teaching team of R. Kippax, S. Kerry and C. Rae continue to provide outstanding service, listing of the volunteers who have provided a driving service to assist teachers reach people in their own homes however more drivers are needed, the decision to make a nursery for blind children after temporarily caring for a set of twins, thank you to Goodie Reeve and 2GB for the 'Glow Worm' sessions each Saturday morning, monthly Blind Artists concerts continue to be successful, 82 people have received help from the Occupational Therapy department, a property in Laman St in Cooks Hill was acquired to expand services to the northern district given the warm reception in Newcastle, thanks to A.F. Toll Pty Ltd for transporting Braille books without charge, various reports from Auxiliaries and the Black and White Ball continued to be the event of the season.1 volume with photographs and illustrationsroyal sydney industrial blind institution, annual report, helen keller hostel, roy kippax, c rae, goodie reeve, braille writers association of new south wales, occupational therapy, a.f. toll pty ltd, black and white committee, w.a. davis, les black, k curtis, fred wolfenden, stuart kerry, graeme dark, sandra dark, parramatta gaol

Articles in the annual report include: opening of the only nursery for blind babies and children at Victor Maxwell House, a new Braille shorthand class, the erection of an Occupational Therapy Department building, the development of a new switchboard operation course, a trial of long-term prisoners producing Braille has resulted in 83 being created, a profile on the late Jean Currie and appointment of Coral Cook in that position, awarding of an MBE to R.W. Kippax (who has occupied many positions at the Institution), thanks to A.F Toll for the free transport of Braille volumes and the Black and White Committee on another outstanding Ball, and the success of the NSW Blind Cricket Club and the young women at Helen Keller hostel forming the Amazons Blind Girls Sports Club.1 volume of text and imagescorporation records, royal sydney industrial blind institution, jean currie, black and white committee, nsw blind cricket, coral cook, victor maxwell kindergarten, cricket, braille writers association of new south wales, a.f. toll pty ltd, roy kippax, graeme dark, sandra dark, parramatta gaol

Articles in the annual report include: the provision of braille and Moon books to lepers, an address by Arthur McCredie, the awarding of an MBE to Henry Hedger (past superintendent), resignation of Herbert Tranter, a grant received from the NSW State Government to build additional storage, new floor added in Basket shop and paddock has now been fenced in, a ceremony on the Roof Garden where workers presented Robert McDonald a sea-grass chair to thank him for reading to them during their lunch hour for the past 25 years, a brief history of the library, the importation of the first Talkie Books from AFB, photograph and outline of the work undertaken by Roy Kippax and Ethel Campbell, the progress of pupils by music teacher Gordon Lavers, Annual Picnic and Sports Day, the suggestion to the government that blind children should be compulsorily educated just as sighted children are required to be under law, and the decline of some activities by various branches of the Women's Auxiliary.1 printed booklet with illustrations in bound sydney industrial blind institution, annual report, arthur mccredie, herbert tranter, robert mcdonald, herbert thompson, jean currie, roy kippax, ethel campbell, gordon lavers

Articles in the annual report include: 170 workers (130 blind, 20 home workers, 20 sighted) were employed during the year, the passing of Henry Hedger who was superintendent for many years, a personal reflection by Captain Gilbert Nobbs (who was blinded in WW1 and helped by the Institution) and his discussion on talking books, a trial of producing rubber mats in the workshop, 21 students receiving piano or singing lessons, with a male Choir of 21 participants, 320 library readers, the death of A.S.H. Parker who taught Braille with Ethel Campbell and accomplished transcriber, the roster of visiting readers for workers and other attendees, monthly musicales provided by blind and sighted musicians, the Annual Picnic and Sports Day, the 2 Blind Cricket matches against the Victorian team played at Belmore Oval (1-1), and the first White Ball held at the Trocadero with Mrs Eric Sheller as the inaugural President.1 printed booklet with illustrations in bound sydney industrial blind institution, annual report, gilbert nobbs, herbert thompson, jean currie, talking books, ethel campbell, roy kippax, ann sarah hale parker, black and white committee, cricket

Articles in the annual report include: given the previous demand for services the Committee have offered training services to the Repatriation Department, the Home Teaching department has provided 1238 lessons this year across the state, over 17,000 volumes have been circulated to 459 readers, two musicales were held in the library with singer Peggy Dunbar providing a musical treat on both occasions, the industrial department is now employing 123 workers with 10 retired workers receiving a pension and 20 home workers receiving free materials, the 'Glow Worm' sessions commenced on February 4th 1939 and have allowed 30 speakers, vocalists and instrumentalists to be heard, additionally this has led to professional engagements, more people becoming aware of the Institution and letters received from people in need of services who had not previously been aware of them, Gordon Lavers continues to provide professional instruction in piano or singing, additions and improvement were made to "The Haven" so that female workers that had been accommodated at William St have been transferred across, the Annual Picnic at Clifton Gardens was held and Phil McNamara took out the 75 yards Flat Race Championship, the Committee has now donated a silver cup for the annual competition and is naming it the 'A. Consett Stephen Cup' in honour of the late past President, the Blind Workers Cricket Club lost to the Victorian team when they visited Sydney at Easter, the passing of A. Consett Stephen, F.A. Coghlan and John Lane Mullins, and the appointment of Ernest A Scott to President.1 printed booklet with illustrations in bound sydney industrial blind institution, annual report, peggy dunbar, goodie reeve, gordon lavers, haven hostel, phil mcnamara, f a coghlan, john lane mullins, ernest scott, a consett stephen, 2gb

Articles from the annual report include: a decrease in sales due to loss of a retail shop during renovation and extension of that same area and the increased competition from machine-made brooms, an unexpected donation from the late Mary Jane Pattison via her husband L.M. Pattinson, inability to meet the target of 20,000 pounds during the Special Appeal - with almost 6700 pounds raised after expenses were taken out, the introduction of the 'Glow Worm Session' by Goodie Reeve on 2GB, the success of the Pink and Black Ball, the Council donating money for an organised event so that blind members could celebrate the 150th anniversary of Sydney, the addition of a new Home Teacher W.A. Davis and the arrangement of a Railway Pass and Tramway and Bus pass free of charge for Home Teachers, Annual Picnic, Blind Workers Cricket Club, acknowledgement of W.H, Tuckwell who has reached 80 years of age, and that a series of moving pictures were taken to showcase the work of the Institution and promote it's worth as a charitable cause.1 printed booklet with illustrations in bound sydney industrial blind institution, annual report, herbert thompson, mary jane pattinson, l.m. pattinson, goodie reeve, roy kippax, black and white committee, fundraising, w.h. tuckwell, w.a. davis, cricket, fred wolfenden, 2gb

Articles from the annual report include: the unveiling of a memorial plaque to Henry Hedger for 57 years of service, 1413 blind people in NSW according to last census, a Special Appeal was launched with over 7000 pounds raised of the 20,000 pound target, the Women's Auxiliary holding a Pastel Ball to raise funds, the sad passing of home teacher (Alice) Ethel Campbell, the decision to make talking book discs free of charge, the opening of "The Haven" at Woollahra in Chester Street as a women's hostel, the gifting of a neon sign at the front of the Institution, Annual Picnic at Clifton Gardens and appointment of A.J. Harris as Superintendent and C.R. Rae as Home Teacher.1 printed booklet with illustrations in bound sydney industrial blind institution, annual report, herbert thompson, henry j. hedger, black and white committee, ethel campbell, , a.j. harris, c.r. rae

Articles in the annual report include: members of Marcus Clark's Ex-Service Men's Association have dug trenches for air-raid shelters, thanks to the blind artists who performed at the Annual General meeting: soprano Nita Bowman, flautist W Kirkbride-Smith and accompanist Marcus Burkitt, the library now has over 18,000 volumes in Braille and Moon, the passing of L.E. Hudson who edited the Woman's Magazine for over 20 years, 441 Talking books (consisting of 5914 records), appointment of Superintendent A J Harris and Welfare Office Roy Kippax to the NSW War Blinded Welfare Committee, a thoughtful donation of 50 cigarettes to be distributed amongst the blind, the annual Picnic at Clifton Gardens with Alan Green winning the A Consett Stephen Cup, a change in time to 3.45pm for the Glow Worm sessions, and the sad death of R McDonald who read to blind workers during lunch hour for 37 years - the victim of an accident upon his return home from the Institution.1 printed volume with black and white illustrationsannual report, sydney industrial blind institution, nita bowman, marcus burkitt, w kirkbride-smith, a.j. harris, roy kippax, l e hudson, alan green, robert mcdonald, auxiliaries

Articles in the annual report include: shortage of materials due to the war, employment has been found for over 60 people in munitions, aircraft, radio and other organisations, the retirement of two country collectors due to health reasons and the inability to currently recruit replacements, the limits of 'The Haven' have been reached and some requests for accommodation have had to be turned away due to a shortage of space, the quarterly concerts by musical artists have continued via the 'Glow Worm' sessions at 2.45pm each Saturday, the passing of transcribers Misses F. Moor and M. Rattray, and an explanation for not listing subscribers due to the shortage of paper.1 printed volume with black and white illustrationssydney industrial blind institution, annual report, o f vidler, roy kippax, employment, haven hostel, auxiliaries, f moor, m rattray

Articles in the annual report include: 123 blind workers continue to be employed, L.M. Pattinson (founder of Soul Pattinson chemist) has donated 500 pounds in memory of his late wife, despite the ravages of war the supplies of embossed literature from London and Edinburgh have been most creditably maintained, due to the shortage of Braille paper it was decided to incorporate the 'Women's Magazine' into 'Boomerang' and this was graciously done by the editors of both, the "Glow Worm" sessions on 2GB continue to prove a success with 26 musicians displaying their talents as well as gaining experience in microphone techniques, the ABC was also kind enough to allocate 30 minutes to blind musicians with 6 of our most talented artists broadcast on 2BL, the first year of combining both Women's hostels at 'The Haven' has allowed an improvement in living conditions whilst maintaining a lower cost, those at the hostel are contributing to the war effort by learning how to spin wool from fleece and to knit large sea-boots used by the Navy in the north sea as overseen by Matron Beaver who learned this at the CWA, the Annual Picnic at Clifton Gardens was held although marred by an accident to one of the blind, the A. Consett Stephen Cup was won by Jim Collins, sending good wishes to those serving with the AIF: E. A. Scott, J. McLeod Bolton, Sir Benjamin Fuller, G.S.E. Lees, Dr B.P. Anderson Stuart, H.J. Meeks, Dr J.A. L. Wallace, H.W. Thompson, A.E. Stephen, P.A. Cohen, W.J. Coogan, L. Consett Stephen, Justice Maxwell, A.W.M. d'Apice, C.T. Clark and Ron Berry in the RAAF.1 printed booklet with illustrations in bound volumesydney industrial blind institution, annual report, l.m. pattinson, library, goodie reeve, abc radio, haven hostel, jim collins, ernest scott, j mcleod bolton, benjamin fuller, b anderson stuart, h j meeks, j a wallace, herbert thompson, a.e. stephen, p a cohen, w j coogan, l consett stephen, justice maxwell, a w m d'apice, c t calrk, ron berry, 2gb, grafton lees

Articles in the annual report include: thanks to artists who performed at the AGM: Nita Bowman (soprano), F Wolfenden (baritone) and accompanist Gordon Lavers, how the closure of the Basket department led to their redeployment in outside the Institution and the employment of others, the need to extend the Haven, the passing of transcriber G W Card through illness, the support Roy Kippax has given blinded soldiers in psychological as well as education, thanks to Goodie Reeve and her 'Glow Worm' sessions, the passing of Senior Vice President J McLeod Bolton whose son will join the Committee, Justice Maxwell being appointed to the position of Vice President, the resignation of Grafton Lees as Secretary and appointment of Alfred E Stephen in the role.1 printed volume with black and white illustrationssydney industrial blind institution, annual report, nita bowman, f wolfenden, gordon lavers, employment, haven hostel, goodie reeve, 2gb, j mcleod bolton, justice maxwell, grafton lees, sir alfred stephen

Articles in the annual report include: a list of professions occupied by blind citizens, 15 blinded soldiers who have worked with Mr Kippax are in full employment including a farmer and a potter, a visit to New Zealand to see a comparable institute has resulted in a valuable resource that will lead to improvements locally, consideration to modernising the William Street building and extending the library and home teaching areas, praise from the Chairman Captain H. Gilbert Nobbs of the NSW War Blinded Welfare Committee attributing success to Roy Kippax and the Braille Library, function held at History House to celebrate the work of voluntary transcribers including H.W. Thompson who had just completed 35 years and was presented with a revolving chair, 360 and 333 lessons were given in Braille reading and writing respectively, with 261 and 15 for Moon reading and typing, purchase of a large house at Woollahra to accommodate over 20 women with the Walter and Eliza Hall Trust providing 1000 pounds towards this and the Women's Auxiliary raising the same for it's purchase, the sixth year of the 'Glow Worm' sessions and due to a change in the National outlook the Marcus Clark Ex-Servicemen's Association has filled in the trenches previously dug for air raids. In the Women's Auxiliary report, which was written later, congratulations were given to the new President Justice Maxwell and sadness at the resignation of Ernest Scott.1 printed volume with black and white illustrationssydney industrial blind institution, annual report, roy kippax, new zealand, buildings, h gilbert nobbs, herbert thompson, helen keller hostel, goodie reeve, 2gb, justice maxwell, ernest scott

Articles in the annual report include: praise for Roy Kippax and A.J. Harris for their work and contribution to the success of the NSW War Blinded Welfare Committee, the response to a letter sent to the incoming Governor-General (the Duke of Gloucester), the compilation of a register of Blind Citizens of NSW, disappointment at not being able to improve or enlarge the property at Woollahra due to unsuccessful requests to the Commonwealth Government, the resignation of Matron Beaver after 8 years at the Haven due to ill health and the appointment of Matron McSwan to the position, continued success of workers in outside employment with only 4 people returning to the Institution, thanks to C H Martin for volunteering to assist in the placement of workers in outside industries, musicales were arranged in the library by Peggy Dunbar and Harold Williams, both a shortage of materials and a power strike has caused the workshop to shut down and workers to be sent home, the manufacture of Ship Fenders was added to our trades with orders from the Royal Australian Navy, Gordon Lavers is undertaking musical instruction at The Haven with two students Sylvia Barnett and Dorothy Falkiner progressing well, the 'Glow Worm' sessions, seeking advice of architects to modernise the William St building, the withdrawal of Ernest Scott as President but continuance on the committee, the appointment of Justice Maxwell as President and the retirement of City Collector W.H. Tuckwell who has worked for the Institution for 53 years.1 printed volume with black and white illustrationssydney industrial blind institution, annual report, roy kippax, a.j. harris, helen keller hostel, emily beaver, ch martin, peggy dunbar, harold williams, employment, sylvia barnett, dorothy falkiner, goodie reeve, 2gb, buildings, ernest scott, justice maxwell, wh tuckwell, auxiliaries

Print of a painting inspired by the original drawing done by Adam Stephan c1890. A double story sandstone building with a bay window sits behind a metal fence. On the road, driver waits with his horse and buggy as a man and woman stand in the open door to the building. 1 art print in grey/gold frameartwork, sydney industrial blind institution

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, recommendations, correspondence, subscriptions and donations and general business. Reports are also included from the Auxiliaries, Appeal funds, Auditors, Library and home teacher, the Blind Workers workshop, and the Women's Hostels located at William St and "The Haven" at Woollahra. 8/7/1937 it was acknowledged that Mr. Henry J. Hedger, the Superintendent of the Institution had passed away on the 5/7/1937 after 57 years of service. 19/7/1937 it was reported that the Library teacher, Miss E.A. Campbell who had been with Institution 30 years had met with a tram accident and died on 16/7/1937. 17/12/1937 it was proposed that the Record Talking Book machines be loaned out on a nominal rental fee of 2/-.1 volume with glued in typed pagessydney industrial blind institution, henry j. hedger