Deaf Collection

The Examination of a Young Surgeon. Satirical etching, 1811, by George Cruikshank
CARTOON: SURGEONS, 1811. The Examination of a Young Surgeon. Satirical etching, 1811, by George Cruikshank

3 Wise Monkeys / Japanese
Hear no evil See no evil Speak no evil

Sheffield Association in aid of the Adult Deaf and Dumb, sign language (I am thine, O Lord), 1908
Sheffield Association in aid of the Adult Deaf and Dumb was established in 1862 with the aim of promoting the wellbeing of the deaf and dumb and assisting them in obtaining employment

Helen Keller with her Great Dane
Helen Keller (1880-1968) born blind deaf mute. Thanks to her governess she overcame these handicaps, studied and created in 1921 the American Foundation for the Blind. Pictured here on the S.S

Sign language using a single hand, 1800s
Single-handed alphabet in sign language, used in the US, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Deaf Cyclist
This cyclist is wearing a sandwich board reading beware, I am deaf

GOYA Y LUCIENTES, Francisco de (1746-1828). The Dog. 1819 - 1823. Mural painting mounted on canvas. This painting with the other 13 works decorated two rooms of the Quinta del Sordo

Epee Teaching Deaf Mutes
L ABBE DE L EPEE instructing deaf-mutes in the sign language he invented to enable them to communicate

London Trade Card - William Bull, Musical Instruments - trumpets, kettledrums, French horns, speaking trumpets, hearing horns for deaf people, powder flasks

Helen Keller reading Braille
Helen Adams Keller (1880-1968), American author and lecturer, blind, deaf and mute from the age of 19 months; sitting in a chair, reading a book

LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827). German composer. Painting, 1870

HELEN KELLER (1880-1968). American author and lecturer. Photographed in 1905

Learning Sign Language
A class of young women learning sign language at a school for the deaf

Engraving depicting a child learning to speak at the Deaf and Dumb home for Jewish children in Notting Hill, London
5308968 Engraving depicting a child learning to speak at the Deaf and Dumb home for Jewish children in Notting Hill, London

The teaching of a deaf-mute child, 1850
3478644 The teaching of a deaf-mute child, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the teaching of a deaf-mute child to speak)

The Kindergarten in the Rev Dr William Stainer's home, 1850
3478638 The Kindergarten in the Rev Dr William Stainer's home, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration of the Kindergarten in the Rev. Dr William Stainer's home for deaf children)

An Asylum for the deaf and dumb, 1850
3478636 An Asylum for the deaf and dumb, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration of an Asylum for the deaf and dumb on the Old Kent Road, London. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

The Deaf and Dumb Alphabet, 1850
3478649 The Deaf and Dumb Alphabet, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the Deaf and Dumb Alphabet. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Cartoon depicting an old lady using an ear trumpet
5308861 Cartoon depicting an old lady using an ear trumpet; (add.info.: Cartoon depicting an old lady using an ear trumpet)

Turn-away is Deaf to Good Counsel (engraving)
8673589 Turn-away is Deaf to Good Counsel (engraving) by Watson, James Dawson (1832-92); Private Collection; (add.info.: Turn-away is Deaf to Good Counsel)

An engraving depicting an asylum for the deaf and dumb located on Old Kent Road, London, 19th century
5310623 An engraving depicting an asylum for the deaf and dumb located on Old Kent Road, London, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1833); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Engraving depicting an ear trumpet, a tubular or funnel-shaped devices which collect sound waves
5308862 Engraving depicting an ear trumpet, a tubular or funnel-shaped devices which collect sound waves and lead them into the ear, 19th century; (add.info.: Engraving depicting an ear trumpet)

The Liverpool Deaf and Dumb Institute, 1850
3478646 The Liverpool Deaf and Dumb Institute, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the Liverpool Deaf and Dumb Institute. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Charles-Michel de l'Epee, 1850
3478635 Charles-Michel de l'Epee, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration of Charles-Michel de l'Epee (1712-1789) a philanthropic educator, teaching a deaf child sign language

An engraving depicting the a kindergarten class in Dr William Strainer's home for deaf children, Pentonville Road
5310621 An engraving depicting the a kindergarten class in Dr William Strainer's home for deaf children, Pentonville Road, London

Bell's Phonautograph, 1878
3479485 Bell's Phonautograph, 1878; (add.info.: Bell's Phonautograph: sounds directed to the mouthpiece caused a membrane, modelled on the action of the human ear, to vibrate)

The teaching of a deaf-mute child, 1850
3478643 The teaching of a deaf-mute child, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the teaching of a deaf-mute child to speak)

The teaching of a deaf-mute child, 1850
3478642 The teaching of a deaf-mute child, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the teaching of a deaf-mute child to speak)

A deaf-mute child learning to speak, 1850
3478641 A deaf-mute child learning to speak, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting a deaf-mute child learning to speak by practising tongue and lip exercises in front of the mirror)

A deaf child learning to speak, 1850
3478640 A deaf child learning to speak, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicts a Jewish deaf child learning to speak at the Notting Hill, Deaf and Dumb home for Jewish Children, London)

Mr & Mrs Kinsey, 1850
3478637 Mr & Mrs Kinsey, 1850; (add.info.: Illustrated portraits of Mr & Mrs Kinsey who both worked to help deaf-mutes. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Page from Proverbs with Pictures by Charles H Bennett, 1859 (engraving)
8638755 Page from Proverbs with Pictures by Charles H Bennett, 1859 (engraving) by Bennett, Charles Henry (1828-67) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Laura Bridgman
2911770 Laura Bridgman; (add.info.: Photographic portrait of Laura Bridgman (1829-1889) First deaf-blind American child to gain a significant education in the English language

Photograph of the first school for deaf and dumb in China
3521100 Photograph of the first school for deaf and dumb in China; (add.info.: Photograph of the first school for deaf and dumb in China. Dated 19th Century); Universal History Archive/UIG.

The Deaf and Dumb Alphabet, 1850
3478648 The Deaf and Dumb Alphabet, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the Deaf and Dumb Alphabet. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Children lip-reading during a lesson, 1850
3478645 Children lip-reading during a lesson, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting children lip-reading during a lesson at the Notting Hill, Deaf and Dumb home for Jewish Children, London)

A deaf child being taught, 1850
3478639 A deaf child being taught, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting a deaf children placing her hand on the throat of her teacher to feel the vibrations when she speaks)

1897 - Deaf and Blind Helen Keller (left) 'listens' to Anne Sullivan's words in this photo
7134041 1897 - Deaf and Blind Helen Keller (left) 'listens' to Anne Sullivan's words in this photo. Anne Sullivan's brilliant success as Keller's teacher set standards for all who

The Rev. Dr. Ingram, of Unst, Shetland Isles, aged One Hundred Years, 1876. Creator: Unknown
The Rev. Dr. Ingram, of Unst, Shetland Isles, aged One Hundred Years, 1876. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. Charles Spence, of Lerwick

School for deaf and dumb infants at Old Trafford, Manchester [opened recently], 1860. Creator: Unknown
School for deaf and dumb infants at Old Trafford, Manchester [opened recently], 1860. The institution was opened to supply a very great want

"From Our Own Correspondent" - painted by W. Hemsley, 1856. Creator: Harvey Orrin Smith
"From Our Own Correspondent" - painted by W. Hemsley, 1856. Engraving of a painting in the Exhibition at the British Institution, ...suggested by the Crimean news

A Performance of "Hamlet" by Deaf and Dumb Actors, 1886. Creator: Unknown
A Performance of "Hamlet" by Deaf and Dumb Actors, 1886. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume 33. January to June, 1886"

L'abbé Sicard (1742-1822) instruisant les sourds-muets, after 1812. Creator: Unknown
L'abbe Sicard (1742-1822) instruisant les sourds-muets, After 1812

The Post-Office - painted by F. Goodall, 1850. Creator: Unknown
The Post-Office - painted by F. Goodall, 1850. Painting in the Exhibition of the British Institution, ...meant to indicate the arrival of an Indian Mail with the news of a dear-bought victory....It

Deaf and Dumb School, Palayamkottai, India
C. E. Z. (Church of England Zenana Missionary Society) Deaf and Dumb School, Palamcottah (now Palayamkottai in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu), India. Deaf and Dumb children learning to talk

The Turks fire rifles behind Walter Greenway to see if he is really deaf, but not a sound does he seem to hear (litho)
3099921 The Turks fire rifles behind Walter Greenway to see if he is really deaf, but not a sound does he seem to hear (litho) by Skinner

Comic postcard, Deaf old man misunderstands pretty young woman Date: 20th century

Deaf and Dumb Finger Alphabet
A chart of the finger-spelling alphabet used by many deaf people. Date: circa 1905

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"Embracing the Silent World: A Journey through Deaf Culture" Step into a world where silence speaks volumes, as we explore the rich and diverse culture of the deaf community. Inspired by the iconic "Three Wise Monkeys" from Japanese folklore, this captivating journey begins with a glimpse into history. In 1908, the Sheffield Association in aid of the Adult Deaf and Dumb was established, paving the way for support and empowerment. Sign language became their voice, as they communicated profound messages like "I am thine, O Lord. " One cannot forget Helen Keller's remarkable bond with her Great Dane – a testament to love transcending sound. Even though she couldn't hear or speak, her spirit soared beyond limitations. Witnessing a deaf cyclist conquering barriers reminds us that determination knows no bounds. Their resilience echoes throughout time – even in the 1800s when sign language evolved using just a single hand. Epee Teaching Deaf Mutes showcases how education breaks down walls of communication. Francisco de Goya's artistry captures their struggles and triumphs on canvas while William Bull's London Trade Card celebrates music as an avenue for expression. Satirical etchings by George Cruikshank shed light on societal perceptions surrounding deafness; yet amidst it all emerges hope and inspiration. Helen Keller reading Braille symbolizes knowledge overcoming obstacles. Ludwig van Beethoven's genius compositions resonate deeply within our souls – his melodies bridging gaps between hearing and non-hearing worlds. And there stands Helen Keller herself in 1905, radiating strength despite her disabilities. Through these glimpses into history, we honor those who have paved paths towards inclusivity and understanding within society. The silent symphony composed by individuals from all walks of life continues to harmonize today - reminding us that true communication transcends words alone.