St Dunstans WW1 Serviceman Oak Serving Tray. St Dunstans was a large British charity providing care and rehabilitation to servicemen blinded during WW1. St Dunstans was founded in 1915 by Arthur Pearson, who had himself lost his sight due to glaucoma. Because of the increasing numbers of British soldiers returning from the front lines during the First World War suffering from blindness (especially from mustard gas attacks), Pearson established a hostel for these soldiers as well as blinded sailors and airmen. His intention was that, with training and assistance, they could go on to lead productive lives and would not have to depend on charity. St Dunstans, now Blind Veterans UK continues to this day. This tray, dating to around the 1920s would have been used within the original hostel. It is of solid oak with raised edges with a carved scalloped design. It is fitted with two polished brass handles each bearing flaming torch crests and reading St Dunstans. #tray #stdunstans #dunstans #arthurpearson #servicemen #trays #history #ww1 #veteranssupportingveterans #oaktray #antiques #antiqueshop https://www.instagram.com/p/CakrALFohCS/?utm_medium=tumblr
