Glasses
1970-1979 (made)
| Place of origin |
1. pair of child's National Health spectacles, of tortoiseshell patterned cellulose acetate. The frames are almost circular, and have a high joint with a chromium-plated inverted V-shaped bridge and clear acetate pads; the hinged "curl" sides are reinforced with a metal core, and terminate in curved metal earpieces.
2. hinged case, of metal covered with dark tan leatherette and lined with brown brushed nylon. The case has an internal retaining bar at the front edge, and a paper label for the wearer's name and address; the lid is stamped with the name and address of the donor's employer, R W H Clements of Croydon.
2. hinged case, of metal covered with dark tan leatherette and lined with brown brushed nylon. The case has an internal retaining bar at the front edge, and a paper label for the wearer's name and address; the lid is stamped with the name and address of the donor's employer, R W H Clements of Croydon.
Object details
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | 1. cellulose acetate and metal with glass lenses
2. leatherette-covered metal lined with brushed nylon |
| Brief description | Child's spectacles with case; British, 1970-79 |
| Physical description | 1. pair of child's National Health spectacles, of tortoiseshell patterned cellulose acetate. The frames are almost circular, and have a high joint with a chromium-plated inverted V-shaped bridge and clear acetate pads; the hinged "curl" sides are reinforced with a metal core, and terminate in curved metal earpieces. 2. hinged case, of metal covered with dark tan leatherette and lined with brown brushed nylon. The case has an internal retaining bar at the front edge, and a paper label for the wearer's name and address; the lid is stamped with the name and address of the donor's employer, R W H Clements of Croydon. |
| Dimensions | Height: 1) 3.4 cm Width 2: 1) 10.5 cm Other: 2) 13.6 x 5.4 x 1.9 cm |
| Marks and inscriptions | FRAME MADE IN ENGLAND
ALGHA |
| 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.307:1-1996 |
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| Record created | April 19, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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