John Lennon, a name synonymous with musical genius and cultural impact, remains an influential figure even decades after his passing. Beyond his music, Lennon’s image is instantly recognizable, often featuring his signature round eyeglasses. These weren’t just vision aids; they became an integral part of his persona, so much so that they are commonly known as “Lennon glasses.” But the story of John Lennon and his glasses frames is more diverse than just one iconic style.
Alt text: Close-up of John Lennon wearing vintage Windsor style eyeglasses with gold frames and round lenses.
The Variety in John Lennon’s Eyewear Collection
While the perfectly round, gold-rimmed Windsor glasses are what often springs to mind when thinking about John Lennon’s eyewear, his collection was surprisingly varied. From his early days to his iconic period, Lennon sported numerous styles. Initially, like many with vision issues, he experimented with contact lenses. However, he found them uncomfortable and often opted to go without any vision correction, even in situations where it was challenging.
Before his signature round frames, John Lennon was seen wearing bolder, thick horn-rimmed glasses reminiscent of Buddy Holly. This style was prevalent in his early career, up until around 1966. A turning point came when he took on a role in the film “How I Won the War.” This movie role inadvertently led him to the style that would become his trademark.
Alt text: Black and white portrait of John Lennon in character for “How I Won the War,” wearing round Windsor eyeglasses.
The eyewear chosen for his character, Private Gripweed, in “How I Won the War,” were authentic to the World War II era. These were Windsor glasses, historically significant frames. Interestingly, the origins of these frames trace back to ALGHA WORKS, a company that initially supplied eyewear to British troops during WWII. Post-war, ALGHA became a provider for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), offering free eyewear. It’s said that Lennon’s initial Windsor frames may have even come from the NHS.
These traditional Windsor glasses are characterized by their circular wire rims, round lenses, and a saddle or W bridge that rests directly on the nose, a design predating the invention of nose pads. They often feature temples that curve around the ears for a secure fit. Affectionately nicknamed “tea shades” or “granny glasses,” these frames became synonymous with Lennon’s image. While he might have initially received NHS frames, as his fame grew, Lennon reportedly sourced many of his round glasses from flea markets, with Camden Passage in London being a favored spot.
Beyond the iconic Windsor style, John Lennon also explored other eyewear shapes. He was seen wearing plastic frames and P3 Panto style eyeglasses. The Panto style, with its rounded shape and slightly flattened top, was another popular design, particularly during World War II, though its popularity waned by the mid-1970s.
Alt text: John Lennon photographed wearing Marshwood style eyeglasses, showcasing the Panto frame shape.
Notably, John Lennon had a penchant for antique and vintage eyewear, often opting for these unique finds over contemporary frames.
The Story Behind the Round Frames: From Movie Set to Signature Style
The adoption of round glasses as John Lennon’s signature style wasn’t a pre-planned fashion statement. In 1966, when cast in “How I Won the War,” he needed glasses appropriate for his WWII soldier character. Although Lennon had needed glasses since his teenage years, he typically avoided wearing them in public. The round frames, dictated by the costume requirements, resonated with Lennon. He liked the look and continued to wear them long after filming wrapped, cementing them as his iconic eyewear.
While an actual pair of John Lennon’s worn glasses frames fetched a staggering $200,000 at auction, achieving his look is far more accessible today.
John Lennon’s Prescription and Glasses Size Details
John Lennon’s need for glasses was not merely stylistic; he was significantly nearsighted. Analysis of his prescription through a focimeter revealed a strong prescription of -8.25 in his right eye and -7.50 in his left. This high level of myopia meant his vision would have been blurry beyond a short distance without corrective lenses.
The size of John Lennon’s Windsor frames has been a topic of discussion. While similar Windsor frames often had a 40mm lens diameter, closer examination of images suggests Lennon’s round glasses were likely smaller, possibly 36mm or 38mm. This estimation is based on the proportion of the glasses to his face in various photographs. Later in life, Lennon wore oval-shaped frames, likely closer to 44mm, and plastic frames, potentially around 48mm in width.
Colors and Tinted Lenses in Lennon’s Glasses
While gold glasses frames are most often associated with John Lennon, he also wore silver frames, as seen in the “Penny Lane” music video. He was also pictured in yellow plastic frames, demonstrating his openness to different materials and colors.
Lennon further personalized his eyewear with various tinted lenses, including orange, yellow, green, and light blue shades, adding another layer to his distinctive look.
John Lennon’s Sunglasses: Vintage and Functional
Alt text: Iconic image of John Lennon wearing round, dark-tinted sunglasses, showcasing his signature eyewear style.
John Lennon’s eyewear journey extended to sunglasses as well. He favored vintage styles, often with tinted lenses in various colors. Many of these vintage frames were originally designed as industrial safety glasses, produced in large quantities for the military before entering the commercial market through surplus sales.
In the “Penny Lane” video, Lennon is seen wearing Japanese flip-up sunglasses with green lenses. These were a trendy, affordable style, though likely not sturdy enough for prescription lenses. A pair of John Lennon’s oval Windsor-style sunglasses fetched an impressive $183,000 at auction in 2019, highlighting the enduring value and fascination with his iconic eyewear. These particular sunglasses, while Windsor style, featured skull temples and thicker flat temples, suggesting a slightly later production era, possibly the 1960s.
If you’re inspired by John Lennon’s eyewear and have an old pair of frames, consider eyeglass lens replacement to revive them. Explore the Lennon Marshwood eyewear collection at Eyeglasses Warehouse to capture a piece of this iconic style. And while browsing, discover other unique styles like “Heart-Shaped Glasses” or functional “Reading Glasses” to further express your personal style. John Lennon’s glasses frames remain a timeless symbol of individuality and cool, and his influence on eyewear fashion continues to resonate today.
