Decorative arts — 1800-1900
Lorgnette
These type of spectacles on a handle were called lorgnettes, from the french word 'lorgner' for 'to squint'. Lorgnettes are believed to have been invented in the 1780s by the London optician George Adams. During the 19th century folding eyeglasses, like this one, became increasingly popular for both sexes in place of spectacles.
Many fashion plates of the 1820s show ladies with lorgnettes or quizzing glasses hanging from chains or ribbons around their necks.
- Category:
- Decorative arts
- Object ID:
- NN12069
- Object name:
- lorgnette
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- 1800-1900
- Material:
copper alloy
- Measurements/duration:
- L 85 mm, W 35 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.