The Oliver Goldsmith glasses collection
From war-time utility frames to bold style statements, explore six decades of glasses design by Oliver Goldsmith
Glasses
From hand-crafted tortoiseshell spectacles to NHS plastic frames and 1980s designer sunglasses, this collection charts the dramatic evolution of glasses from medical necessity to fashion item.
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Charting the development of modern eyewear, the collection includes over 70 frames designed and produced over a 60-year period by the British firm Oliver Goldsmith, in a variety of styles, materials and colours. Other highlights include a mother-of-pearl glasses case which may have belonged to King James II and a pair of flamboyant specs worn by TV persona Dame Edna Everage.
Collection highlights
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Glasses, by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1930s, UK -
(Detail) Jester, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1954, UK -
Monocle, about 1900 – 30, Britain -
Glasses, designed by Cutler and Gross, 1979, UK -
(Detail) Shah, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1972, UK -
Spectacles worn by Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage, designed by Stephen Adnitt, made by Anglo-American Optical, 1997, London, England -
Koko, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1960s, UK -
Tennis Rackets, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1956, UK -
Lorngette, 19th century, Britain -
Opera glasses, 19th century, Europe -
Spectacle case linked to James II and spectacles, France -
Child's spectacle frames, commissioned by National Health Service, 1960 – 69, UK -
Fuz, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, about 1964, UK -
Wayfarer sunglasses and case, designed by Ray-Ban, manufactured by Bausch & Lomb, 1990, US -
Bamboo, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1962, UK -
The Martian, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1950s, UK
Features
Background image: Glasses, Cutler and Gross, 1979, UK. Museum no. T.32-1995. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London