Information on the Tilly Aston Heritage Collection held at Vision Australia Foundation, with some brief information about the formation of the collection, Tilly Aston Council, the collection strengths, volunteers, donations and outside exhibitions, achievements and future goals for the archive.

1 white sheet with blue, black and green writing

vision australia foundation, advertising

A celebration was held for Shirley Admans, in recognition of her service, at Kooyong.

3 coloured photographs of Shirley Admans at her celebration

shirley admans, graeme craig, john wicking

As part of centenary celebrations, portraits were commissioned of all previous presidents of the AAFB and AAB. William Quayle (1861-1910) was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind in 1905. His grand daughter Coral Graham lent some family photographs to help the painter capture his likeness.

1 sepia and 1 black and white photograph of large group of family members

william quayle, association for the advancement of the blind

Newspaper article and image of unveiling of clock at the AAFB home in Brighton. Article reads: A Memorial Clock in Honour of a Blind Woman, Tilly Aston, who helped found the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, was unveiled at the new annexe of the Brighton Home for the Blind by the Minister for Public Works (Sir James Kennedy), centre, on Saturday. The Minister is seen with Mr W.H. Paterson, left, and Mr A.V. Worral.

1 laminated image of newspaper article

Reproduction Rights Reserved Copied by State Library of Victoria

william paterson, a.v. worral, sir james kennedy, association for the advancement of the blind, elanora home (brighton)

John Moule and Pam Longman having champagne in front of the Vision Australia Foundation sign. Two strips of negatives have not been scanned.

1 coloured photograph of John Moule and Pam Longman, with 10 negatives

john moule, pam longman, vision australia foundation

John Moule was President for the Association for the Blind from 1992 until 1999. Shortly after his commencement, political changes forced the realignment of government departments and expenditure, requiring a reduction in nursing home accommodation and staffing levels. With the demand increasing for services, and the need for a financially sustainable model, he oversaw the increasing amount of government support for the AFB as well as the successful centenary appeal. In this image, John Moule Man is dressed in striped shirt, dark jacket and striped tie.

1 B/W photograph of John Moule in striped shirt, dark jacket and striped tie

association for the blind, john moule

John Moule was President for the Association for the Blind from 1992 until 1999. Shortly after his commencement, political changes forced the realignment of government departments and expenditure, requiring a reduction in nursing home accommodation and staffing levels. With the demand increasing for services, and the need for a financially sustainable model, he oversaw the increasing amount of government support for the AFB as well as the successful centenary appeal. In this image, John Moule Man is dressed in pinstripe suit, light coloured shirt and striped tie, and stands outside a building. A coloured version of an image taken during this photo shot appeared in the 1995 AFB Annual Report.

1 B/W photograph of John Moule in pinstripe suit, light coloured shirt and striped tie standing outside a building

association for the blind, john moule

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. In these three photographs Pat and his wife Beth look or stand next to the portrait painted of Pat Lightfoot, for the centenary celebrations.

3 coloured photographs of Pat and Beth Lightfoot

h.m. lightfoot, association for the blind

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 48-5541

h.m. lightfoot, association for the advancement of the blind, association for the blind

Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. 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. In these images she wears a pinstripe, double breasted jacket, patterned blouse, gold curb chain necklace and round earrings. As well as a proof sheet, the album also contains transparencies of the same photo shoot (not scanned).

Diana Jones in a pinstripe, double breasted jacket, patterned blouse, gold curb chain necklace and round earrings

Di Jones 4/7/91

diana jones, association for the blind

Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. 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. In this image she wears a blue jacket, striped blouse, gold curb chain necklace, round earrings and elongated oval badge

Diana Jones ina blue jacket, striped blouse, gold curb chain necklace, round earrings and elongated oval badge

P1405.2 1 Diana Jones

diana jones, association for the blind

Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. 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. In this image she stands inside, wearing a knit jumper with bow ties and a patterned blouse with tied neckline.

Diana Jones wearing a knit jumper with bows, and patterned blouse with tied neckline

General Committee President Diana Jones 1404.5

diana jones, association for the blind

Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. 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. In this image she stands inside, with a brick wall behind her, wearing a suede jacket, diamond pattern jumper, white shirt and a jewelled tennis racquet pin on her lapel.

Diana Jones wearing a jacket, diamond patterned jumper and tennis racquet pin on her lapel

1404.2 and 1404.3 on back

diana jones, association for the blind

Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. 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. In these images she is standing outside Brighton (?) wearing a pleated skirt, a white top with banding on the short sleeve edges, across the neckline and mid-chest with a zig zag pattern between the lines. She has on thick hoop earrings and a long chain with a pendant possibly shaped like a genie bottle.

Portrait of Diana Jones in various sizes

diana jones, association for the blind

David Robertson (1855-1953) was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and president 1895-1899 and 1913. For centenary celebrations of the Association, portraits were painted of past presidents and photographs gathered in preparation of this. This image was collected, however the donor is unidentified.

1 A4 page cut into two with image and notes

David Robertson 1st President at AAB & Co-founder with Miss T Aston Held Presidency 5 times until Health gave way he carried out his Carried on his own Business until 59 yrs of age died at 96 yrs His sister Janet inaugurated the Visiting of the Blind & was treasurer for 8 yrs D.R. was responsible for getting the free pass & gave the AAB its name They both lost their sight in Gov homes as orphans Their Brother (William of New Zealand was champion Sculler of New Zealand for 20 yrs) (Hearn) called after step father Kindly acknowledge Warwick Studio, Albert Park

david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind

Tom Marks (1857-1939) was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and president in 1900 and 1935-1937. For centenary celebrations of the Association, portraits were painted of past presidents and photographs gathered in preparation of this. This image was collected, however the donor is unidentified. He poses for this studio portrait with his adopted daughter Hilda (1888-1981).

1 portrait photograph of Tom Marks with his adopted daughter Hilda

5. Tom Marks - Daddy & Hilda

tom marks, hilda marks

A large number of people sit at tables inside a tent/marquee. The men are dressed in three piece suits with ties and the ladies have floor length dresses and most wear hats. Two men wear darkened glasses. Vines and flowers are strung around the two tent poles in the centre,, with one vine attaching both poles and holding a Christmas bell shape between them. On the tables sit cups and small plates, with larger empty plates possibly holding sandwiches or slices, suitable for a garden party event. No people have been identified, although in an associated letter, Phyl Matthews puts forth that that one man is not her grandfather.

B/W photograph of group having tea inside a tent

association for the advancement of the blind, phyllis matthews

Tom Marks (1857-1939) was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and president in 1900 and 1935-1937. For centenary celebrations of the Association, portraits were painted of past presidents and photographs gathered in preparation of this. This image was collected, however the donor is unidentified.

1 small photograph, taken in black and white and coloured

Mother & Daddy Printed by Harringtons

tom marks, mary cecilia marks

To commemorate the two anniversaries of prominent organisations, Australia Post issued two stamps, as well as first day covers, an accompanying card set and first day postmark. One card contains a photograph of young Tilly Aston, with the AFB 100 anniversary logo, a stamp of a person with a dog in harness playing the violin. The other card is a picture of Audrie and Neil Mc Leod, who founded the Spastic Centre of NSW as part of their efforts to assist their child and others access services for those who were born with cerebral palsy. The 50th anniversary logo of the centre is featured on the card, as well as a stamp of a person in a wheelchair flying a kite. Both cards have the postage mark of a kite and it's string framing the sun, and 'First Day of Issue 13 July 1995 Brighton Beach, Vic, 3188'.

2 colour post cards released as part of set

association for the blind, tilly aston, spastic centre of nsw, stamps, audrie mcleod, neil mcleod

Edna Adams was a member of the AFB and attended the Kooyong base. She was taught by Tilly Aston when she attended the RVIB School.

2 colour photographs with negatives

Edna Adams, student of Tilly Aston at RVIB School. Photographed at Kooyong 1995

edna adams, association for the blind

Five men in suits with high collars and bow ties pose with three ladies in evening dress. To the far left are Aaron Solomon and Annie Rose Drummond. Aaron Solomon (1870-1936) was enrolled at the RVIB school in 1878, after losing his sight at 6 years of age. He first began participating in concerts in September 1884, at an exhibition of talent that was held by the Institute and the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institute, to raise awareness of their work and achievements. He then became a regular performer with the entertainment troupe and travelled around Victoria singing and playing piano, even after his discharge from the Institute in 1892. In 1894 he formed his own troop of players and toured around Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand. This consisted of two females (Tilly Aston and Maggie Mulvogue) and three males (Charles Bartlett, John Irwin and himself). In 1896, Annie Drummond, Nellie Andrew and William Snell replaced the Aston, Mulvogue and Bartlett, and W.W. Spicer was appointed as manager with his wife acting as an assistant to the ladies of the group. In 1897-1898, H Forder replaced William Snell. On a return tour to New Zealand in late 1898, Thomas Andrews - brother to Nellie - joined the troop and Fred Hunter replaced H Forder. This was the first time the troop numbered eight people, who were also present when Annie Drummond married Aaron Solomon in Hamilton, New Zealand on Feb 3, 1899. This image could have been taken in 1898 before they left as a promotional card, or in 1899 when they returned, as a memento of the happy occasion.

1 cardboard postcard size image with silver writing

A. Marks & Co Elgin Street Carlton

aaron solomon, annie rose drummond, w.w. spicer, nellie andrews, thomas andrews, fred hunter, john irwin, a. marks & co

Tilly Aston sits in this studio portrait, her outfit obscured by the oval framing of the image. Her hair has been tied back and around her crown, as per her adulthood. A collared top with long sleeves which have a band around the cuff. She looks to have rosettes on her shoulders, a pin with 'V (crown symbol) R' under her chin, and fuchsias draped around her neck. The image could have been taken around 1897, when Queen Victoria celebrated her jubilee and various ornaments were produced to symbolise the occasion.

Young adult female in studio portrait wearing collared, long sleeved dress with fuchsia necklace

tilly aston, association for the blind

Four girls surround an older girl, who is reading Braille on a park bench. Believed to be Tilly Aston, the older girl has her hair in plaits and appears to be concentrated on the Braille pages in front of her. At the end of the park bench rests a man's hat and another book of Braille. This image has been reproduced widely and in a variety of black and white or sepia tones. Possibly a publicity image used by the RVIB. On one copy, there is a note that image was made around 1918, based upon clothing, which would rule out Tilly Aston who would have been in her late 40s around then.

B/W photograph of girl sitting on park bench reading Braille surrounded by four other girls

tilly aston, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille

Oral history interview and partial transcript of Harry Finlayson, who became head teacher in 1928-1938, then returned as headmaster in 1952 until 1954, before moving to Essendon and finally Echuca. He discusses the changes brought by Mr Hedger, the establishment of the Scout troop, the first long play records from America and England, as well as the educational challenges.

1 audio recording of recollections from former RVIB teacher

royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, harry finlayson