Follower(s) of Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516) with possible influences of Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1527-1569). The Expulsion of Traders and Money Changers from the Temple. Art Museum of Estonia

Glasses recovered from the Halifax Explosion, December 6, 1917, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax, From the collection of The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax, a part of the Nova Scotia Museum

Ralph Bell (1914-1995), Untitled, acrylic, Columbus Museum of Art. Crippled in his hands and arms, Bell painted with a brush affixed to his head with a harness.

From an archeological find in the North of Holland, most likely circa 1700, described in Vind Magazine

Christ Driving the Money-Lenders from the Temple, imitator of Hieronymus Bosch (active 1480 - 1516, Netherlandish), bequeathed by Sir Claude Phillips, 1924, Accession #1586, Copyright Culture and Sport Glasgow Museums

It is important also to specifically acknowledge the two major world organizations devoted to collecting spectacles and studying their developmental history. The many benefits to joining these clubs are evident by visiting their websites. These two clubs are the only ones of their kind in the entire world. I belong to both of them because it is relatively inexpensive and, for me, it has been a wonderful experience. And remember that they both publish newsletters which are filled with useful information. Members of these clubs come from very diverse backgrounds. Sure there are numerous opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists. But there are also college professors, publishers, retirees, librarians, consultants, antiques dealers, museum curators, and even business executives There are some truly remarkable individuals, yet most are regular people who just enjoy collecting and sharing information related to a variety of objects represented in this field.

Everyone’s common interest is in PRESERVING OCULAR HERITAGE. Not only do many collect spectacles, but others collect binoculars, spyglasses, pince nez, eyebaths, books, medals, equipment, glass eyes, or advertisements. There are people who have instruments, Oriental articles, telescopes, opera glasses, prints, votives, contact lenses, tokens, or dispensing aids. Then there are those who have great interest in cases, advertisements, monocles, frames, signs, lorgnettes, microscopes, quizzers, or optical saints. Some are very specialized while others are simply “generalists” who have collected objects that might appeal to just about anyone from a historical point of view. Not so surprisingly, many collectors have accumulated an assortment of quite interesting 20th century items, especially beautiful and very fashionable spectacles. We all realize that these too will eventually become one hundred year old antiques.

If this entire subject stimulates you and you have serious interest in furthering the process towards joining one or both of these clubs (the OHS and/or the OAICC) kindly type and then submit your information into the forms linked below. Personally for me this has been a true adventure!

Consider joining and I hope to see you at an upcoming annual meeting.

Click here to learn about the upcoming and past meetings of the OAICC and OHS.

Dr. Tony Chahine, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
1419 Foothill Boulevard
La Canada, CA  91011
eyetony@aol.com

www.ocularheritagesociety.com  

Submit your information to the OHS

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