David Hockney’s colourful spectacles have become almost as recognisable as his paintings. Now a group of Dorset schoolgirls have taken inspiration from the artist’s distinctive eyewear to create some extraordinary designs of their own. Year 5 pupils at Hanford Prep worked with Head of Art Polly Hughes and Jack Ransome, founder of Hockney’s favourite opticians, who handmade eight pairs of bespoke spectacles for the artist.
The girls were challenged to explore colour, shape and individuality, with the winning design coming from Honor B. Her elaborate owl-inspired glasses impressed Ransome so much that he is now turning them into a real pair of acrylic spectacles.
‘I was inspired by owls as they are my favourite animal,’ says Honor. ‘The trickiest bit was cutting out the wings to make them match.’
Runners-up included Katie S, with a Halloween-themed design, and Isabella ST, whose Night at the Movies spectacles came complete with popcorn.
The three designs are now on display in Ransome’s Hampstead shop window.
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