Eyeglass cleaning tool

A rare and interesting object still frequently used by persons wearing eyeglasses. The eyeglass cleaning tool consists of two chamois-covered round cushions hidden inside that are mounted on a steel structure covered with brown full-grain leather. The external top part was given a decorative cross-stitch with a motif of flowers and leaves. Similar tools are available also today, with their principle of operation based on the same idea: eyeglasses are inserted between a pincer-like structure and can be thoroughly wiped when pressed lightly. However, ordinary pieces of chamois or other material used for the purpose described here are more popular and accessible. This item can be regarded as their structurally more complex predecessor.

The eyeglass cleaning tool was added to the collection of the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów after its purchase from a private person. The decision to purchase this item was not motivated by the standard of craftsmanship or valuable material used for its production. The value of the eyeglass cleaning tool lies in its “common” character as an object to be used for prosaic purposes that helps the individual to function more effectively in everyday life, and not many such objects have survived in museum collections. The eyeglass cleaning tool is a witness to what life looked like in the past and an evidence that simple objects were formerly given a careful and aesthetic form.

On the occasion of this item, it is good to remember that the history of eyeglasses dates back to the 12th or 13th century and is connected with Italy. The oldest eyeglasses had no earpieces; they rested on the nose or were held in hands. The invention of fitting eyeglasses by means of two longitudinal elements fixed on ears is dated at the first thirty years of the 18th century. (M. Zając, Frame for eyeglasses; Eyeglass cleaning tool, notes in: The Wilanów collection. Continuation 1993-2011, Museum of the Palace at Wilanów, Warszawa 2012).