Spectacles and Case

1955.36.59a xx.JPG
1955.36.59a xxx.JPG
1955.36.59a, b x.JPG

Subject

Accessories

Title

Spectacles and Case

Date

ca. 1840 - 1860

Description

Within the Victorian Era spectacles became popular due to the development of opthalmology, changing environments, and fascination with the eye in general. An increase in the social practices of reading for leisure, and compulsory education also caused an increase in demand for ultimate optical ability. 

The spectacles are handmade of silver, an extremely common material used in this era. Corrective spectacles were always seen to have circular lenses, which this particular pair has. The case is of a hard leather.

Source

Donor: Estate of Mrs. John T. Gardner

Identifier

URI 1955.36.59a, b

Contributor

Jacob St. Hilaire

Collection

Citation

“Spectacles and Case,” Historic Textile and Costume Collection, accessed May 2, 2024, https://uritextilecollection.omeka.net/items/show/286.