eyewear

the story

The hinged-temple was invented in 1727 by English optician, Edward Scarlett, and the spectacle frame has changed little in design since that time. This curated collection of brands and stories charts the history of the British optical industry.

articles

THE COOL-RAY COMEBACK

Famously worn by Sean Connery in Thunderball (1965), the Cool-Ray model N135 has been reimagined with 007 tailor Anthony Sinclair to mark the film’s 60th anniversary.

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Eye Spy: The Bespectacled Secret Agent

Within the vast realm of spy fiction, a unique allure surrounds the archetype of The Bespectacled Secret Agent.

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Introducing: Oliver Goldsmith

After almost a century in the optical industry, Oliver Goldsmith is a brand rooted in British heritage. With knowledge that has been passed down through four generations, the company remains committed to crafting some of the most exquisite eyewear in the world.

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Sightseeing in Soho with Ed Scarlett

Our models, Scarlett and Amir, kindly presented the latest collection of Ed Scarlett spectacle frames and sunglasses in their natural habitat, Soho.

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Ed Scarlett: Inventor of the Spectacle Frame

The introduction of the eyeglass is commonly associated with the Venetians, who created convex magnifying lenses in their famed Murano glassworks in the late 13th century.

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introducing: kirk & kirk eyewear

Run by husband-and-wife team Jason and Karen Kirk, this British brand blends family heritage with innovative design, redefining the boundaries of luxury eyewear with boldness and precision.

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For Your Eyes Only: Seiko's Precise Story

In 1881, a young 22-year-old entrepreneur, Kintaro Hattori, opened a clock repair shop in Japan. Thanks to his success, he founded his first factory 11 years later in the centre of Tokyo, which he named "SEIKOSHA", literally meaning "the house of precision".

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Introducing Linda Farrow

Established in 1970, Linda Farrow quickly rose to prominence, pioneering luxury eyewear by recognising sunglasses as not just protection—but a bold, fashion-forward statement in their own right.

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