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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steve mcqueen eyewear

Steve McQueen Eyewear began as a collaboration between two designers united by a shared love for classic cars, especially the iconic Porsche 356 A Speedster.

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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.

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Ed Scarlett: Inventor of the Spectacle Frame

In 1705, English optician Edward Scarlett opened his store on Dean Street, Soho. By 1727, he had invented the modern spectacle frame, founding the world’s oldest optical brand.

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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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