The Materials and History Behind John Lennon’s Famous Glasses
John Lennon, one of the most iconic figures in music history, is known not only for his music but also for his unique style. One of the most memorable aspects of his appearance is his glasses. Many wondered what materials were used to make these famous frames. Were they made of gold or brass, or were they more modest materials? Let's dive into the true materials and history behind John Lennon’s glasses.
Were Lennon’s Glasses Made of Gold or Brass?
John Lennon’s glasses were primarily made of metal but they were not made of gold or brass. Most of his iconic round glasses were crafted from wire or other lightweight materials, often with gold or silver plating. While some of his glasses might have featured gold accents, they were not solid gold or brass. The specific materials varied depending on the style and designer of the glasses he wore.
The Materials of John Lennon’s Glasses
The glasses were likely electroplated with 14K gold over stainless steel. This material combination offered a number of desirable properties: it was non-tarnishing, strong, water-resistant, and relatively easy to fabricate. The visible parts featured an alloy of gold and silver, creating a nice aesthetic. However, the exact composition would vary based on the manufacturer and the period in which the glasses were made.
John Lennon’s glasses were also mentioned to be fashioned from Coal Miner’s glasses in Liverpool, England. Given the economic conditions at the time, it is unlikely that they were made of solid gold or brass, as both materials would have been prohibitively expensive for miners and working-class individuals.
During his early career, Lennon often wore frames based on the Buddy Holly style. For a time, he wore no glasses in public at all. Later in his career, his distinctive round sunglasses became famous. These frames were handmade and often included custom tinted lenses.
The Original Design: Panto 45
John Lennon’s iconic glasses were originally made by Algha Works in London and were titled the Panto 45. These frames were crafted from rolled 18-karat gold and fitted with custom tinted orange lenses. The frames were designed to be heavy and strong enough to accommodate his high prescription. Small and round lenses were preferred to minimize the edge thickness, as high refractive glass was not typically available in those days.
The NHS Glasses
Both John Lennon and the author had NHS (National Health Service) issued glasses, which were typically made from rolled metal wire and featured a Windsor rim. The NHS glasses often came with “horrid” plastic pink or blue striping that could be easily removed, revealing a coveted brass finish. According to the optician, the NHS glasses contained gold, though the NHS was not known for using extravagant materials. The frames were designed to be durable and resistant to tarnishing, which was an important consideration given the usage conditions.
Despite the claims of gold, the NHS glasses were likely made with a brass frame because the material was more economical and practical for the intended purpose. John Lennon’s private glasses, on the other hand, were presumably plated with gold or a gold-like metal to achieve a more costly and stylish appearance.
It is worth noting that if John Lennon’s gold-plated glasses were to come up for auction, it would likely fetch a significant amount due to their historical and cultural significance. However, as of the last record, they have not appeared in auctions, which could be due to their personal ownership or family preservation.