120-year-old pair of spectacles discovered by Ormskirk man

Sep 27 2012 by Jamie Bowman, Ormskirk Advertiser

A WEST LANCASHIRE man is claiming to own the oldest pair of spectacles in Ormskirk.

Norman Webster, 69, discovered the ancient pair of glasses, thought to be over 120 years old, after entering a competition run by Conlons opticians as part of its 130th anniversary celebrations.

Conlons, who are based on Aughton Street, Ormskirk, asked the public to search through their belongings and memorabilia and bring in the oldest pair of glasses.

The competition was judged by Conlons optical antique expert Brian Mitchell.

Mr Mitchell said: “We had a huge number of excellent entries and were thrilled with how many people took part in our own special antique road show.

“Mr Webster’s glasses date back to 1890 and have been kept in excellent condition and compare favourably to the world’s oldest pair of spectacles, which are from 1730 and are in the British Optical Association Museum.”

Lynne Cross, Conlons branch manager in Ormskirk, said: “I am thrilled to be able to award the prize to Mr Webster for his fantastic entry.

“We are delighted with the number of entries and enthusiasm from the local community in helping us celebrate our 130th anniversary.

“We have various other celebrations planned throughout the year, such as a sponsored hill climb in September to raise money for local charities.”

Conlons Opticians was founded in 1882 by Bernard Conlon, who opened his first practice in Liverpool.

It is now the oldest family- owned opticians in the UK and has a total of 17 branches.

Mr Webster said: “I was really pleased and surprised to be the winner of the old glasses competition.

“My auntie lived in Ormskirk and I think they were possibly her mother’s, as she would have been 15 when they were made.”