Catalogue Number: 1903 Martin Wells spectacle frame (Park Lane) Category: Spectacles and lenses Sub-Category: Spectacle frame Year Of Publication/Manufacture: 1960s Time Period: 1940 to 1999 Place Of Publication/Manufacture: Australia Publisher/Manufacturer: Martin Wells Description Of Item: Martin Wells women's combination spectacle frame, sliver rim and blue anodised aluminium trims and sides, rivetted joints, metal bridge with adjustable pads. Right side marked '135 (side length) Martin Wells, Park Lane', left side marked 'Made in Australia'. Size 46/18 is marked on back. 120 x 38 mm.Unglazed. Historical Significance: Martin Wells was an Australian spectacle frame manufacturer founded by business man Sidney Sinclair OBE AM (1915-1999), optometrist Eric Hurst and Dino Zigarelli, a spectacle frame expert. Martin Wells produced a range of spectacle frames in the 1950s that were highly popular in Australia and ushered in a new era of fashion into spectacles in Australia. In the early 1950s the most common styles were flesh and demi-amber plastic frames with full-vue lens shape and plastic hockey sides; steel frames covered with imitation tortoise shell and curl sides, and rimless glasses. They were not fashion items. This is a deluxe spectacle frame made in the 1960 - 1970 period. How Acquired: Donated by Elizabeth Hatfield, Fellow of the College Date Acquired: 2009 Condition: Very good Location: Archive Office. Spectacles cabinet Drawer 16 |