Echoes of the Past: Livery and let die

Livery companies have a proud history and traditions. Their survival has been achieved by fostering their professions, crafts and trades in a wide context, serving the community and promoting modern skills and professional development their fields.

Many of the most notable names in optics have been made masters of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers over the years and a historical notes section in the June 18 edition of Optician from 1965 details some of the luminaries and even the acrimony – right back to the 17^th century.

John Yarwell was a master of the company on three occasions in the 17^th century. He was made spectacle frames from horn, steel, tortoiseshell and leather and his work was popular with wealthy patients that could afford luxury materials. Microscopes and telescopes also formed a significant part of work – as was the case of many opticians of the time.