We don’t often stop to think about how glasses came about. Who first had the notion that looking through a shaped glass lens could help so many of us to see better?!
Well, while the name of the inventor of spectacles has been lost to history, we do know the Romans experimented with using glass and precious stones to improve their vision. We also know that there was a long history of the use of convex lenses in the ancient world. The British Museum contains the Nimrud Lens found in modern day Iraq and dating from 750 BC!
Early prototypes
Most scholars agree that the earliest prototype of what we would recognise as spectacles emerged in 13th century Italy. Lenses were set in wood or leather frames and held in front of the face. These were particularly used by monks working on detailed manuscripts. They soon became a symbol of learning and wealth and spread throughout Europe. With the invention of the printing press in 1450, books became widely available and with them the need for reading glasses!
Florence was the epicentre of the spectacle making world for some time. But it was the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers formed in Britain in 1629 that first started actively marketing glasses as a reading aid for the common man. Their slogan? “A blessing to the aged”!
At this time Spanish manufacturers tried to come up with a way of keeping these wobbly frames that balanced on the nose by attaching silk ribbons to hook around the ears. The Chinese added little weights to counterbalance and stop them falling off. Finally in 1730 Edward Scarlett added two stiff rods to the frames which sat on top of the ears. The hinge was added by James Ayscough some 22 years later. And voila, our modern foldable spectacles (or scissor spectacles as they were known in the 18th century) were born.
The beginnings of bifocals
You may have heard that bifocals were invented by Benjamin Franklin but this may be a myth. He did write to a friend that he was “happy in the invention of double spectacles, which serving for distant objects as well as near ones, make my eyes as useful to me as ever they were.” However, he didn’t take credit for it.
By the 20th century there had been many advances in lens manufacture and the range of materials available for frames. This meant for many spectacles became a fashion accessory as much as a necessity. Icons like Marilyn Monroe and Buddy Holly helped to boost the popularity of wearing spectacles for glamour or to create a unique look.
Today we have a wonderful choice of stylish, easy to wear, effective and affordable specs at our fingertips. And nowhere more so than at Patrick & Menzies! Get in touch to book an appointment.