Not currently on display at the V&A

Glasses

1950-1959 (made)
Place of origin

Pair of child's National Health spectacle frames, of black cellulose acetate. The frames are rounded, with a straighter and slightly winged top, and have a high joint with a keyhole-shaped bridge and clear acetate pads; the hinged sides are probably reinforced with a metal core, and curve inward and downward to fit around the ears.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Cellulose acetate and metal
Brief description
Child's spectacle Frames; British, 1950-59
Physical description
Pair of child's National Health spectacle frames, of black cellulose acetate. The frames are rounded, with a straighter and slightly winged top, and have a high joint with a keyhole-shaped bridge and clear acetate pads; the hinged sides are probably reinforced with a metal core, and curve inward and downward to fit around the ears.
Dimensions
  • Height: 3.9cm
  • Width: 11.4cm
  • Sides circumference: 14.2cm
Marks and inscriptions
40 x 20 M X NH
Object history
References: The donor in his letter states that children's spectacles of this type "were produced on the most simple of machinery...they were made by many British manufacturers to the ministries (sic) general specification [and] each licensed manufacturer would mark the frame with his four letter code..."

Acquired by the donor during his career as a dispensing optician with
R W H Clements, 1 Portland Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4UG.
The NHS scheme whereby children were given free spectacles lasted from 1946 to 1988, when it was phased out in favour of vouchers.
Production
Made by: National Health Service
Collection
Accession number
B.304-1996

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Record createdApril 19, 2000
Record URL
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