College’s monocle exhibition for Open House London 2015

As part of the annual Open House London festival of architecture, the College of Optometrists will be opening its doors to the public from 1-5pm on Sunday 20 September 2015. Visitors will also be the first to view Monocles! - the latest exhibition at the British Optical Association Museum, which is housed in the College.

The exhibition, which also marks the centenary of the museum opening to the public, takes a decidedly one-eyed look at monocular correction and the accessory of choice of Hollywood starlets, German generals, eccentric aristocrats and the bearded hipsters of today. Exhibits include the latest models, as well as more historic specimens, along with images of famous and not-so-famous monocle wearers through the ages.

Actors dressed as infamous monocle wearers Percy Toplis (a.k.a ‘The Monocled Mutineer’) and Dorothea Therbusch, the 18th century Polish artist with the distinctive headgear who loved painting herself, as well as College Fellows and staff, will be on hand to answer questions about the College and its historic headquarters during the afternoon.