Replica Medieval wooden spectacle frames

Social History (Museum of St Albans)

Replica Medieval wooden spectacle frames from the St Albans Museums teaching collection. Similar spectacle frames carved from bone have been found on excavations in London and at various religious sites in England. No glass from the lenses has so far been identified. There are customs references to thousands of ivory spectacles imported into London during the late 14th century, and one of unspecified material from the early 15th century. They are taken to indicate the level of literacy, although they could be used for other kinds of close work such as embroidery or goldsmith’s work.

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Digital Camera

[not applicable].

27/06/2007