period eye glasses

[oriane]

I did a search, and couldn't find anything on this subject...so please excuse me if it has been discussed before, and lead me in the right direction.

My husband and I both wear eye glasses. I have contacts, but don't like to wear them for long, because they dry my eyes out. I've searched the web for reproduction glasses, but other than finding a lot for civil war reenactors, the only thing that turned up for our lot was Jas. Townsend's glasses.
jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?cPath=46&products_id=166&osCsid=5637e117236ddfc46563e87d40eacf5f

So, my question is two fold.... First, are there any others out there who sell them? and Second, I've seen paintings of Regency men wearing glasses, but none of women. Was it a vanity thing for women? Did they consider them 'ugly', or inappropriate to wear outside the home, or maybe was there something else like a monocle that they carried around, etc? I don't mind looking like a nerd, but if it simply wasn't "done" then I don't want to do it.

[oriane]

ooops...sorry, I just realized I put this in the "Men's" category, and it should have been put in "accessories". Feel free to move this, please.

[dawnluckham]

Hi Jenni, I kind of think it has been discussed here, somewhere, before, but I’m super challenged by the categories. (Steph – I know it would be a huge task, but a plea for simplification... Maybe there’s someone in the ORS who is willing to take on the job? I never can think of the proper search word to use to find what I’m looking for.)

In any case, I answered your question here:

forums.sensibility.com/viewthread.php?tid=23729

[oriane]

Thank you, Dawn.

[Mme de Beaufort]

Dawn, I would imagine these go into the accessories category, but you're right, the categories are pretty complicated. How about we come up with a strategy to simplify?

[Eleanor]

My own solution, so far, is a quizzing glass, but it is of no use if you need to sew or embroider, or otherwise need the use of your hands. It works fine for reading and such, though.

Most kindly,
Eleanor

[lastbloom]

I ordered some Victorian frames from gentleman's emporium for a theatrical production, and they were variously too large or extremely tight, and were of poor quality. We did not have problems returning them to that particular retailer, but I would suggest checking their measurements carefully before purchasing (if they are available) and also finding out the return policy in case they do not fit or you do not like them. Good luck!

[Goblin, esq.]

I have a pair of the Jas. Townsend frames, and have been very happy with them. The only trouble is they are about a prescription behind at the moment, but for dancing they're perfectly adequate.

goblinrevolution.org/costumes/pictures/laha_austen_2009//chris4.jpg

I think I have seen one painting of a woman wearing eye glasses, but I cannot recall where.

As an aside, I previously used a pair of reproduction Victorian frames, and when I went to have the lenses fitted, there were at least half a dozen modern frames on display that could pass as Victorian. (Including the curved ear-pieces.) Wait long enough and any fashion will come around again, I think!

[lastbloom]

There is a fashion plate in Napoleon and the Empire of Fashion that shows a woman holding a gold quizzing glass. If you have the book, it is on pg. 44, from "Journal fur Fabrik, Manufaktur, Handlung und Mode" from 1797. It appears to be attached to the dress by a loop of blue ribbon that coordinates with her gown, and is held in her left hand. It doesn't look the least bit "nerdy" -- very elegant, in fact! I will try to get a scan of it this evening.

I am guessing that the two ladies are dressed in visiting attire rather than "at home" morning attire, judging by the prodigious muff held by the quizzing glass lady, and the elaborate hat? cap? worn by her companion. Both are also wearing gloves. It seems, from this plate at least, that a glass wasn't an unseemly thing to be used in the privacy of one's own home. It is treated like any other accessory in the illustration.