Object ID:
2001.211.77
Title:
Braille slate
Description:
Hinged pocket slate; 2 lines, 24 cells; top plate is brass; internally applied hinge; furrows on bottom plate; pins in bottom. "1323." --front left of top plate. "Istituto Dei Ciechi Napoli Paolo Colosimo." --front right of top plate.
Dimensions:
H-1 W-7.25 inches
Date:
n.d.
Made by:
Istituto Paolo Colosimo, Napoli
Place of Origin:
Naples, Italy
Provenance:
Item is part of a slate collection that belonged to David Ronecker (1918-2001). He was blind since birth, attended the Missouri School for the Blind, worked in Texas as a medical technician for the armed forces, and was an avid collector of slates. He was the uncle of Charles Zinser, who acquired the slate collection after Ronecker's death.
Ballu writing was developed in Spain. A stylus was used with the Ballu slate to make tactile print, by embossing dots in the shapes of letters of the Roman alphabet.
The Paolo Colosimo Institute for the Blind was founded in Naples in 1892 as an offshoot of the National Society Regina Margherita for the Blind in Florence. Its name was changed in 1913 to memoralize the lost son of wealthy benefactors.
Ballu writing was developed in Spain. A stylus was used with the Ballu slate to make tactile print, by embossing dots in the shapes of letters of the Roman alphabet.
The Paolo Colosimo Institute for the Blind was founded in Naples in 1892 as an offshoot of the National Society Regina Margherita for the Blind in Florence. Its name was changed in 1913 to memoralize the lost son of wealthy benefactors.
Credit Line:
Museum Purchase, 2001.211
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Braille slate
Braille slate