John Lennon, Gandhi, Malcolm X, Iris Apfel and Benjamin Franklin – what do they all have in common? Glasses!
Spectacles are so associated with these historical figures; it may be the first thing used to describe their appearance. The same can be said of fictional characters – from Harry Potter to Clark Kent glasses are a defining feature.
Interestingly, eyeglasses are documented as having been used as early as the late 13th century. By the 20th century, their connection with impairment and use by academics and learned individuals may have resulted in what one might call ‘geek chic’.
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In the world of memorabilia, instantly recognisable glasses are highly sought after by collectors – certain frame shapes immediately evoking renowned figures.
As one would anticipate, provenance is a key factor in determining value. The closer the association with a star (or the production) the higher the prices. In recent years, sales from the estates or collections of famously bespectacled individuals have allow buyers the opportunity to purchase pieces guaranteed to be genuine.
Earlier this year the sale of Barry Humphries: The Personal Collection was held at Christie’s, and clearly illustrated this point. The sale included several pairs of glasses worn by Humphries as his most famous comic character ‘Dame Edna Everage’.
The glasses were offered individually with an estimate of £1,000 – 1,500 each. Spectacles were a crucial part of the iconic characters costume – therefore these unusual designs generated enormous interest.
It can be difficult to predict the value of such pieces, where rarity, excellent provenance, and a strong fan base combine. The highest priced paid was for the yellow lacquered ‘possum’ glasses. Based on the characters catchphrase the ‘eye-catching’ eyewear sold for £37,800! (insurance replacement in the region of £55,000). While a glittered-star and diamante pair by David Cox also sold for just over £30,000 (insurance region of £45,000).
Another comedy great’s glasses were also sold this year. In January 2025 auctioneers Hanson’s offered the collection of the late British comedian Eric Morecambe. The highest price achieved during the two-day 816 lot auction was for a pair of Eric’s signature glasses (offered together with a pipe). The pre-sale estimate of £2,000 – 4,000 was fair in light of the provenance. However, one serious fan was determined to purchase the glasses. They reached a hammer price of £20,000 (insurance value anticipate £40,000).
Post-sale it was revealed that fellow celebrity glasses wearer Robbie Williams had been the buyer. It is common for serious memorabilia collectors to have an emotional reaction when acquiring an important personal piece. Williams commented he had shed ‘happy, childlike tears’ upon successfully purchasing the lot.
When Sir Michael Caine offered his personal collection at Bonhams in 2022, one of the highest prices amongst the memorabilia was for a lot described as ‘a pair of Sir Michael Caine’s iconic spectacles’.
Manufactured by Rodenstock, similar vintage pairs can be purchased in a retail environment for under £200. However, as with the previous pairs discussed the importance of the provenance resulted in a final total of £16,500 (Insurance price £25,000).
There have been a few instances in recent years were glasses worn by John Lennon have gone under the hammer. In 2020 Sotheby’s held an auction dedicated to The Beatles. And what was the highest price achieved during the auction? As one may guess it was for a pair of these frames. With provenance suggesting they had been given by Lennon to his housekeeper in 1965, they were believed possibly the first pair of round frames he owned. With an estimate of £30,000 – 40,000, they sold for £44,100. If you are lucky enough to own a pair of John Lennon glasses expect to insure them for a minimum of £70,000.
These glasses were of a similar design to a pair which hold the world record for a pair of glasses at auction. In August 2020 East Bristol Auctions offered a pair of gold-plated round spectacles which by repute had belonged to Mahatma Gandhi.
According to information provided by the vendor they had been gifted to their uncle in South Africa c. 1920 – 1930. Both Gandhi’s historical importance and the iconic nature of the piece led to a pre-sale assessment of £10,000 – 15,000. This time they achieved a hammer price of £260,000 (total selling price of £316,000, insurance replacement £450,000 region). Sunglasses and glasses relating to Gandhi have appeared on the open market on a few occasions, if looking to invest anticipate over £10,000 for any pair.
In 2025, glasses are highly fashionable, regularly worn on the red carpet by A-list actors such as Pedro Pascal, Jonathan Bailey, and Robert Downey Jr. Designer brands such as Jacques Marie Mage, Tom Ford, Cutler & Gross and Cartier are currently offering collections of ultra-luxe frames, possibly the star worn collectables of the future.
If you are looking to start collecting, the market is ever changing but new or previously unknown examples appear regularly. Retaining the provenance is essential and will dictate any future change in value.
Stephanie has worked in the fine art and antiques industry for over 20 years. She is the former Department Director of Collectors sales at Bonhams Auctioneers. Stephanie was additionally the Head of Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia department and is a recognised expert in Popular Culture.