Glasses

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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.

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glasses — Glasses, by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1930s, UK

(Detail) Jester, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1954, UK

monocle — Monocle, about 1900 – 30, Britain

spectacles — Spectacles worn by Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage, designed by Stephen Adnitt, made by Anglo-American Optical, 1997, London, England

lorngette — Lorngette, 19th century, Britain

opera glasses — Opera glasses, 19th century, Europe

spectacle case and spectacles — Spectacle case linked to James II and spectacles, France

child's spectacle frames — Child's spectacle frames, commissioned by National Health Service, 1960 – 69, UK

Wayfarer sunglasses and case, designed by Ray-Ban, manufactured by Bausch & Lomb, 1990, US

Glasses

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The Oliver Goldsmith glasses collection

How was it made? Hand-crafted glasses

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