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Two young entrepreneurs came together in September 1946, to create the Optoplast Manufacturing Company Limited. Over the fourty following years, Walter Conway and Herbert Thorn enjoyed huge success, developing technology such as the PIMO machine, an innovation that would shape the way spectacles were manufactured all over the world.

This legacy continues to this day with James Conway and Daniel Thorn at the helm. Using seventy years of industry experience, they have created their own collection of frames using materials and techniques that would make Walter and Herbert proud.


 

in 2015, Walter & Herbert Made in England eyewear was launched signifying a new era for the company. Deeply ingrained in heritage, the brand benefits from three generations of industry experience and expertise. Paying homage to Walter Conway and Herbert Thorn, Walter & Herbert frames deliver a versatile and original range of styles that are beautifully designed and crafted in England.quintessentially English with traditional values still today.

Pimo Machine

The Pimo Machine

 

The PIMO machine was launched and put into production, inserting metal reinforcements into acetate spectacle sides with absolute precision. With 80 staff at work, Walter and Herbert were able to produce 2 temples a second, exporting more than 5 million a year to 11 countries.

 

These iconic frames all have names from british history such as Churchill, Beeton, Cowley, Brunel and Bronte. There are both Male and Female styles in the collection.

To view the current syles please visit https://www.walterandherbert.com

Why not come in and view the collection at our Alresford and Grayshott practices and try them on in person.