Pink coil spring spectacles, National Health Service issue, 1955-1969
- Made:
- 1955-1969 in United Kingdom
Pair of coil spring spectacle framess, pink plastic, National Health Service issue, unsigned, British, 1955-1969.
Mass produced spectacles were available in the UK in the 1950s and 1960s through the National Health Service (NHS). These frames are a typical example. The coil springs secured the frames when the arms hooked behind the ears.
NHS spectacles showed little imagination in terms of design flair. They were made cheaply for robust use and utility rather than fashion. The National Health Act in July 1948 made spectacles free for all. This proved expensive. By 1951, patients paid half the costs towards spectacles. However, eye tests were still free of charge.
Details
- Category:
- Ophthalmology
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A681246
- Materials:
- plastic, copper (alloy) and complete
- Measurements:
-
overall (closed): 30 mm x 127 mm x 55 mm,
overall (open): 40 mm x 127 mm x 105 mm, Wt. 0.01kg
- type:
- spectacle frames
- credit:
- C Davis Keeler Limited