Walter & Herbert Brand Book
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
FROM THE<br />
BEGINNING<br />
In September 1946, two young entrepreneurs partnered to<br />
create Optoplast Manufacturing Company Limited.<br />
In the 40 years that followed, <strong>Walter</strong> Conway and <strong>Herbert</strong><br />
Thorn enjoyed great success as they developed technology<br />
such as the PIMO machine, an innovation that would shape<br />
the way spectacles were manufactured worldwide.<br />
Today, James Conway and Daniel Thorn are continuing this<br />
legacy. Using seven decades of industry experience, they<br />
have created their own collection of frames using materials<br />
and techniques that would make <strong>Walter</strong> and <strong>Herbert</strong> proud.
1946<br />
<strong>Walter</strong> Conway and <strong>Herbert</strong> Thorn<br />
established the headquarters for Optoplast<br />
Manufacturing Co.Ltd.<br />
1967<br />
<strong>Walter</strong> & <strong>Herbert</strong>’s flourishing business<br />
relocated to a new, larger factory in<br />
Surbiton, spanning over 10,000 square<br />
feet.<br />
1948<br />
<strong>Walter</strong> and <strong>Herbert</strong> worked with the National<br />
Health Scheme to launch the first range of<br />
optical frames for the NHS, whilst <strong>Walter</strong> began<br />
work on the PIMO Machine.<br />
1982<br />
<strong>Walter</strong>’s eldest son Gary joined the<br />
company and over the next year, Optoplast<br />
became the largest producer of spectacle<br />
frame sides in England<br />
1951<br />
The PIMO machine was launched. Inserting<br />
metal reinforcements into acetate spectacle<br />
sides with absolute precision, changed the<br />
way spectacles were manufactured worldwide.<br />
<strong>Walter</strong> & <strong>Herbert</strong> were now able to produce<br />
2 temples a second, exporting more than 5<br />
million a year to 11 countries.<br />
W&H<br />
1985<br />
Following <strong>Herbert</strong>’s retirement, his son<br />
Daniel joined the company.<br />
TIMELINE
1992<br />
The business relocated to Liverpool and<br />
set up manufacturing in Manchester. Gary<br />
and Daniel were appointed Joint Chief<br />
Executives. The company was now in the<br />
hands of the second generation of Conways<br />
and Thorns.<br />
1999<br />
Gary’s son James joined the company. 21<br />
years old and fresh from university he quickly<br />
demonstrated his father’s entrepreneurial<br />
spirit and a passion for optics.<br />
2006<br />
A new design office opens. With innovation<br />
and creativity at the heart of every design,<br />
the dedicated team of in-house designers<br />
skilfully create eyewear that maintains<br />
the fundamentals of comfort, quality and<br />
wearability.<br />
2012<br />
Newly appointed Joint Chief Executives James and<br />
Daniel set up Optolab, a UKAS accredited testing<br />
lab. This gave the company a unique competitive<br />
advantage ensuring the quality, performance and<br />
safety of every frame they produced.<br />
2014<br />
The first production machines arrived allowing<br />
Optoplast to make eyewear in Liverpool, England.<br />
2015<br />
<strong>Walter</strong> & <strong>Herbert</strong> Made in England eyewear is<br />
launched signifying a new era for the company.<br />
Deeply engrained in heritage, the brand benefits<br />
from three generations of industry experience and<br />
expertise. Paying homage to its heritage, <strong>Walter</strong><br />
& <strong>Herbert</strong> frames deliver a versatile and original<br />
range of styles that are beautifully designed and<br />
crafted in England.
DESIGNED WITH LOVE<br />
Our design team have lovingly developed a beautiful<br />
collection of frames, inspired by heritage shapes and<br />
colours that draw on our history with a modern twist.<br />
Each frame boasts striking colour combinations of<br />
the best globally sourced acetates.<br />
Bell, C2 Raspberry
NEW TRADITIONS<br />
Each of our frames have been carefully considered<br />
and undergo a lengthy design and development<br />
process. The design team embrace a combination of<br />
classic techniques and modern technologies to take<br />
their ideas from sketch to finished frame.<br />
Ayrton, C3 Pinot Blush<br />
Using 3D printed prototypes, the designers are able<br />
to create the best styles and ensure the ideal fit.<br />
Churchill, C1 Light Tort
MANUFACTURED<br />
WITH CARE<br />
Skilfully crafted in our factory in England,<br />
specialist technicians ensure every frame is worthy of<br />
the <strong>Walter</strong> & <strong>Herbert</strong> stamp.<br />
Each frame is thoroughly tested in our own laboratory to<br />
certify that each frame not only looks and feels beautiful,<br />
but exceeds the British Standards of quality, performance<br />
and safety.
QUALITY<br />
We make sure that our frames are of the highest standard, using the finest<br />
acetate such as Mazzucchelli and the use of OBE hinges. These frames are<br />
made to last.<br />
We believe attention to detail and an unyielding pursuit of perfection are what<br />
make our frames so special.<br />
The W&H logo features on every frame and has been used in various ways to<br />
make bespoke vintage inspired patterns along the temples and core.<br />
Cook, C2 Tort
SIMMONS, C 3 BLACK<br />
TEALBY, C2 TURQUOISE TORT
HUXLEY, C3 BLUE & TORT<br />
WALLIS, C3 CRYSTAL
Email: info@walterandherbert.com<br />
printed on fsc certifi ed paper<br />
Address: 83 Sefton Lane, Liverpool, L31 8BU @walterandherbert