Summary
Bowl used for serving meals in a mental health hospital in Victoria, Australia, circa 1900.
The term 'lunatic asylum' was in official use in Victoria until 1903.
Since insignia on bowl simply says 'Lunatic Asylum, Victoria' this bowl may be from the first one at Yarra Bend or was standard issue for all asylums. In 1900, Dr Paul Ward Farmer had a short stay in 'Kew Lunatic Asylum'. He complained about 'having to see "Lunatic Asylum" in blue letters upon every cup and plate.'
Physical Description
Small white china bowl rounded at bottom, with high sides. One one side is printed: 'Lunatic Asylum Victoria', with blue insignia.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services, May 1985
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Place & Date Used
Kew Mental Hospital (Asylum), Victoria, Australia, circa 1900
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Inscriptions
Insignia & DIEU ET MON DROIT/IRONSTONE CHINA printed on base. LUNATIC ASYLUM/VICTORIA printed in blue on outside of bowl
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Classification
Medicine & health, Mental health - institutional life, Food & drink consumption
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
9 cm (Height), 14.5 cm (Outside Diameter)
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Exhibition Collection Management
144 mm (Length), 144 mm (Width), 90 mm (Height)
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Dimensions
9 cm (Height), 14 cm (Outside Diameter)
Measurement From Conservation.
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References
Brothers, Charles R.D., Early Victorian Psychiatry 1835-1905, Melbourne
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Keywords
Hospitals, Mental Health, Mental Health Institutions, Psychiatric Services, Making History - Psych Services
