Frame of the Year: How the Chartwell 12 took prize position

Eclectic is probably the best word to describe this year’s Frame of the Year category at the Optician Awards 2014. The shortlist had everything from a painstakingly crafted wood and stone frame from Rolf Spectacles to a price-conscious effort from Eyespace that refused to skimp on quality.

The eventual winner, Chartwell 12 from CW Dixey & Son, impressed the panel of Optician and external judges on a number of levels – from the quality of the frame and materials to the thought and detail that went into the case and packaging.

CW Dixey & Son has a strong heritage in the optical profession. Established in 1777, the business was initially created as an optical and mathematical instruments company, it soon built itself a reputation as a supplier of precision instruments, and provided telescopes to Napoleon Bonaparte and the emperor of China.