LOOKING GOOD AND SEEING WELL

Seeing that sight is so precious, it would seem logical that it should be treasured. But in fact many people in the UK do not go for a regular eye test, often opt for cheap over-the-counter specs at the chemist, and spend far more on looking good that seeing good.

A man in a Savile Row suit, however, will of course take a different view. Appreciating craftsmanship, he will expect his spectacles to be as carefully made as his suit, and in seeking out the optical equivalent of the Row's finest, he may find his way to C W Dixey.

Dixey has a pedigree that easily matches the longevity of Savile Row and the illustriousness of its customers. Dating back to 1777, it made spyglasses for both Wellington and Napoleon, has helped at least ten British prime ministers see things clearly, and has held Royal Warrants from George lll onwards. Winston Churchill was a lifelong customer.

Simon Palmer inherited the business from his father some years back, when it had dwindled to a chain of optician shops. He has taken it back to its core business as a maker of excellent spectacles and over the past couple of years seen his efforts rewarded, with connoisseurs at home and abroad appreciating the handmade quality of these glasses.

“We now export to over 15 countries,” he reports, “either directly to patrons or via exclusive boutiques in major cities. We remain very exclusive, as we still produce in very limited numbers. We appeal to the connoisseur who is seeking something unique and special.”

Concentrating initially upon a limited collection, he has now extended the range of designs. All are made to the same high standard, designed by Dixey and made in France.

Larger, bolder frames are now more in demand, both for men and women, Palmer reports. "We don't really specify which are for men or women," he says.

Still included are faithful replicas of the round glasses worn by Churchill, featuring the white spots on the temple points that he specified, tohelp identify the spectacles he ordered for different uses.Sunglasses, both optical and plain are available. And all may be kept safe in the same slim leather case design that the Iron Duke ordered for his glasses.

In the UK, they may be found at up-market independent opticians, prices from £380 and online see www.cwdixeyandson.com