logologo-optometry

Gold spectacles in case for C W Pugh

/home/acomuseum/public_html/images/archive/3494.jpg
Catalogue Number: 3519
Gold spectacles in case for C W Pugh
Category: Spectacles and lenses
Sub-Category: Spectacles with case
Year Of Publication/Manufacture: c1898
Time Period: 19th C
Place Of Publication/Manufacture: Case: England
Description Of Item: Gold plated oval eye spectacles, 'W' bridge & curl sides. Impressed under bridge 'WA'. Flat single vision lenses R: +1.00/-0.25x5 L: +0.75 DS. Leather case of slip-in design with tuck in flap. Printed in gilt: 'C.W.PUGH/ OPTICIAN/ FITZROY MELBOURNE' in oval surmounted by gilt crown. Flap tip has gilt print: 'MADE IN ENGLAND'. Crown indicative of vice-regal patronage of Victorian Governor, Lord Brassey. Spectacles 111 x 65 x 15 mm. Cae: 122 x 45 x 20 mm.
Historical Significance: Charles William Pugh was born in London in 1853. He was the son of William Pugh (1824- 1900) who was trained as an optician and brass worker (for scientific instruments) at Dollonds, famed London opticians and scientific instrument maker since 1750. Charles Pugh, aged 23, emigrated to New Zealand in 1875 with his mother and siblings, his father having preceded the family in moving to New Zealand. William was employed by noted New Zealand jeweller and optometrist Thomas Robert Procter in 1877 (or a few years earlier), being described by Procter as 'a first class and thoroughly qualified optician (late of Dollond's London) and the only practical optician in New Zealand'. His son, Charles, was trained as an optician by his father when living and working in Christchurch, New Zealand. Charles migrated to Australia and set up practice at 13 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy about 1898, again possibly earlier. He enjoyed the patronage of the Governor of Victoria. Lord Brassey KCB. Charles died in 1902 in his 49th year. His wife continued the practice, presumably employing a qualified manager. The practice was sold in 1907 to Ernest MacFarlane (see Cat Nos. 109, 114, 1718) and continued by his son, Ken MacFarlane (see Cat. No. 1473).
How Acquired: Purchased by Kett Museum
Date Acquired: March 2018
Condition: Spectacles good, case fair
Location: Archive Office. Spectacles cabinet Drawer 11

Search the archive:

Author or Inventor:
Catalogue #
Name of Donor