Comments on: Lawrence Jenkin, Spectacle Maker

By: Robin Peters

Robin Peters — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 12:32:49 +0000

Interesting article. I was on the same year group with Lawrence studying to be a Dispensing Optician at the Bunhill Row College London EC1.He was an old sparing partner and at the age of 78 I remember him well. He sed to bring into college sheets of acetate material that he obtained from his father’s Anglo American manufacturing house.They where not the usual material colours at the time. From that he made interesting spectacle frames. Well
Done my old friend. Keep up the craft and pass it on. Kind regards Robin Peters.

By: Jeremy Brown

Jeremy Brown — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:55:42 +0000

I have only just read this piece and found it most interesting.

I qualified as an optometrist (ophthalmic optician) in 1986, as my late father, Ronald Brown, was also an ophthalmic optician, having opened his first practice in 1957.

The world of optics is very different now, but it was always a profession of many wonderful people.

By: Kevin Count

Kevin Count — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 23:48:06 +0000

Wonderful article. I’m an optician in the US where I make custom frames and also teach others to do the same. I’m curious, what became of Mr. Jenkins and the Alga Works?

By: William Stefan

William Stefan — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 20:00:47 +0000

Lawrence made me two pairs of frames a few years ago which I wear every day . The craftsmanship is so exquisite I consider them more piece of art then mere spectacles . They are a bit expensive for someone in my humble income bracket but they’re well worth it at twice the price!

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 09:32:57 +0000

Great Article, a very enjoyable read!!

By: Arthur A Sabina

Arthur A Sabina — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 18:35:44 +0000

I am very happy that Lawrence Jenkin is still designing spectacle frames. His designs were always unique and revolutionary thus copied around the world.

Congratulations Lawrence!

Arthur

By: Tim Bowden

Tim Bowden — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 15:51:49 +0000

Hello

I am the editor of Ophthalmic Antiques, the journal of the Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors Club. I read this article with great interest as Lawrence is a member of the club and also the club would also be very disappointed if the Algha works weer to close.

Our next edition is due out on the 1st April (deadline 21st Feb) and I would very much like to include your article above if that would be ok with you?

Cheers
Tim

By: Gioconda

Gioconda — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 14:07:02 +0000

In the U.S. we have a vast choice of frames, but little science in the fitting of them. As I have a strong prescription, the slightest maladjustment causes difficulty. I find myself demanding more accuracy in my frames, which the large commercial chains have trouble supplying. At this moment, I’m pushing my glasses up to see what I’m typing.
Made-to-order frames sound like they could solve my problems. Unfortunately, Americans value speed and style over precision. I hope Mr. Jenkin can carry his trade well into the future. Perhaps I will be lucky enough one day to have his company make me a pair!

By: antonia dosik

antonia dosik — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:56:29 +0000

Another wonderful story.

By: Alison Ashfield

Alison Ashfield — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 12:04:53 +0000

Oh my. I have worn glasses since I was 14. Some frames have been more successful than others, aesthetically. I trained as a nurse at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and registered at the optician nearest to where I lived.
‘Hodd, Barnes and Dickens, Cheapside’
Was the salutation from the cheery receptionist on each and every telephone call she answered. I can still hear the lift at the end of the phrase. A mild interrogative, to suggest that help was available, always.
My optician was Mr. C. Dickens for years.
I used to wonder if he was any relation to Charles Dickens, who may have walked the pavements of Cheapside, in another century.
Happy City memories.