Not currently on display at the V&A

Glasses

1960-1969 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Pair of child's National Health spectacle frames, of translucent pale pink cellulose acetate. The frames are rounded, with a straighter and slightly winged top, and have a high joint with a plain bridge and clear acetate pads; the hinged "curl" sides are reinforced with a metal core, and terminate in curved metal earpieces.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Cellulose acetate and metal
Brief description
Child's spectacle Frames; British, 1960-69
Physical description
Pair of child's National Health spectacle frames, of translucent pale pink cellulose acetate. The frames are rounded, with a straighter and slightly winged top, and have a high joint with a plain bridge and clear acetate pads; the hinged "curl" sides are reinforced with a metal core, and terminate in curved metal earpieces.
Dimensions
  • Height: 40mm
  • Sides circumference: 9.8cm
  • Weight: 120mm
  • Depth: 15mm
  • Height: 4mm
  • Width: 120mm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
mw 62.42 DBL 20 NH MW
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.
Collection
Accession number
B.306-1996

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Record createdApril 19, 2000
Record URL
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