Local Business Focus - Optometrist John Dixon Salt
Optometrist & Contact Lens Practitioner John Dixon Salt reveals all about the Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors Club.
Local optometrist John Dixon Salt has a hidden expertise that he unveils every September. Not only is he the man to consult for all your spectacles and lenses; he also knows all about historic glasses and is Vice Chairman of the Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors Club.
John has built up his own private collection since 1996 which now numbers some 1200 items and amongst which his favourite pieces include a Mother of Pearl covered spectacle case and a walking stick with an telescope in the handle dating from 1880.
Once a year, however, he puts aside his own collecting and travels up to London to receive visitors at a much larger collection of historic vision aids - the British Optical Association Museum at the College of Optometrists, which comprises over 17,000 things including protective eye amulets (3000 years old) from Ancient Egypt, the oldest known pair of spectacle sides from the 1730s, elaborately decorated binoculars for use in the theatre, frighteningly huge early contact lenses (including the oldest known British example), an automated sight-testing machine from the 1880s, cool designer sunglasses from the 1950s onwards, the reading spectacles of Dr Samuel Johnson and even of the evil Dr Crippen – the most notorious dispensing optician in history.
Do you know who is the patron saint of spectacle makers? John will be able to tell you and show you a 16th century portrait of the man himself. Ever wondered what it feels like to try on a pair of pince-nez? John and his fellow volunteers will let you have a go: feel the pinch!
The museum is normally open only during the working week and then only by prior appointment, but on the afternoon of September 18th it is one of the buildings open as part of the capital wide Open House London event.
Over 600 properties from government ministries, normally-locked churches, livery halls, commercial headquarters and even private houses are open at various times over the weekend and it is one of the best times of the year to visit London with friends. Get yourself a copy of the event guide, or plan your visit on the website http://www.londonopenhouse.org/ and see how many interesting and unusual buildings you can get into.
Entry to all properties is absolutely free and is only made possible by the volunteer efforts of enthusiasts like John, who will be found at the museum located between Charing Cross Station and Trafalgar Square.
Indeed the museum, which occupies a beautiful 1730s Georgian terraced property, can legitimately claim to be the most centrally located museum in the whole of London! Everywhere you turn there are objects connected with eyes and seeing… it could be said that it’s the only museum where the exhibits look at you rather than the other way round.
The British Optical Association Museum, 42 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NG will be open as part of Open House London on Sunday 18 September between 1pm-5pm. No booking required. To visit at other times consult the website at http://www.college-optometrists.org/museum. If you need advice on antique optical items, take them along to John at Stockbury House, Church Street, Storrington or 9 Liverpool Terrace, Worthing.
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