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.
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, UKV&A East Storehouse -
(Detail) Jester, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1954, UKV&A East Storehouse -
Monocle, about 1900 – 30, BritainV&A East Storehouse -
Glasses, designed by Cutler and Gross, 1979, UKYoung V&A -
(Detail) Shah, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1972, UKV&A East Storehouse -
Spectacles worn by Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage, designed by Stephen Adnitt, made by Anglo-American Optical, 1997, London, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Koko, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1960s, UKV&A East Storehouse -
Tennis Rackets, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1956, UKV&A East Storehouse -
Lorngette, 19th century, BritainV&A East Storehouse -
Opera glasses, 19th century, EuropeV&A East Storehouse -
Spectacle case linked to James II and spectacles, FranceV&A East Storehouse -
Child's spectacle frames, commissioned by National Health Service, 1960 – 69, UKV&A South Kensington -
Fuz, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, about 1964, UKV&A East Storehouse -
Wayfarer sunglasses and case, designed by Ray-Ban, manufactured by Bausch & Lomb, 1990, USV&A East Storehouse -
Bamboo, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1962, UKV&A East Storehouse -
The Martian, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, 1950s, UKV&A East Storehouse
V&A Shop
Header image:
Glasses, Cutler and Gross, 1979, UK. Museum no. T.32-1995. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London