Walter & Herbert Brand Book

FROM THE
BEGINNING
In September 1946, two young entrepreneurs partnered to
create Optoplast Manufacturing Company Limited.
In the 40 years that followed, Walter Conway and Herbert
Thorn enjoyed great success as they developed technology
such as the PIMO machine, an innovation that would shape
the way spectacles were manufactured worldwide.
Today, James Conway and Daniel Thorn are continuing this
legacy. Using seven decades of industry experience, they
have created their own collection of frames using materials
and techniques that would make Walter and Herbert proud.

1946
Walter Conway and Herbert Thorn
established the headquarters for Optoplast
Manufacturing Co.Ltd.
1967
Walter & Herbert’s flourishing business
relocated to a new, larger factory in
Surbiton, spanning over 10,000 square
feet.
1948
Walter and Herbert worked with the National
Health Scheme to launch the first range of
optical frames for the NHS, whilst Walter began
work on the PIMO Machine.
1982
Walter’s eldest son Gary joined the
company and over the next year, Optoplast
became the largest producer of spectacle
frame sides in England
1951
The PIMO machine was launched. Inserting
metal reinforcements into acetate spectacle
sides with absolute precision, changed the
way spectacles were manufactured worldwide.
Walter & Herbert were now able to produce
2 temples a second, exporting more than 5
million a year to 11 countries.
W&H
1985
Following Herbert’s retirement, his son
Daniel joined the company.
TIMELINE

1992
The business relocated to Liverpool and
set up manufacturing in Manchester. Gary
and Daniel were appointed Joint Chief
Executives. The company was now in the
hands of the second generation of Conways
and Thorns.
1999
Gary’s son James joined the company. 21
years old and fresh from university he quickly
demonstrated his father’s entrepreneurial
spirit and a passion for optics.
2006
A new design office opens. With innovation
and creativity at the heart of every design,
the dedicated team of in-house designers
skilfully create eyewear that maintains
the fundamentals of comfort, quality and
wearability.
2012
Newly appointed Joint Chief Executives James and
Daniel set up Optolab, a UKAS accredited testing
lab. This gave the company a unique competitive
advantage ensuring the quality, performance and
safety of every frame they produced.
2014
The first production machines arrived allowing
Optoplast to make eyewear in Liverpool, England.
2015
Walter & Herbert Made in England eyewear is
launched signifying a new era for the company.
Deeply engrained in heritage, the brand benefits
from three generations of industry experience and
expertise. Paying homage to its heritage, Walter
& Herbert frames deliver a versatile and original
range of styles that are beautifully designed and
crafted in England.

DESIGNED WITH LOVE
Our design team have lovingly developed a beautiful
collection of frames, inspired by heritage shapes and
colours that draw on our history with a modern twist.
Each frame boasts striking colour combinations of
the best globally sourced acetates.
Bell, C2 Raspberry

NEW TRADITIONS
Each of our frames have been carefully considered
and undergo a lengthy design and development
process. The design team embrace a combination of
classic techniques and modern technologies to take
their ideas from sketch to finished frame.
Ayrton, C3 Pinot Blush
Using 3D printed prototypes, the designers are able
to create the best styles and ensure the ideal fit.
Churchill, C1 Light Tort

MANUFACTURED
WITH CARE
Skilfully crafted in our factory in England,
specialist technicians ensure every frame is worthy of
the Walter & Herbert stamp.
Each frame is thoroughly tested in our own laboratory to
certify that each frame not only looks and feels beautiful,
but exceeds the British Standards of quality, performance
and safety.

QUALITY
We make sure that our frames are of the highest standard, using the finest
acetate such as Mazzucchelli and the use of OBE hinges. These frames are
made to last.
We believe attention to detail and an unyielding pursuit of perfection are what
make our frames so special.
The W&H logo features on every frame and has been used in various ways to
make bespoke vintage inspired patterns along the temples and core.
Cook, C2 Tort

SIMMONS, C 3 BLACK
TEALBY, C2 TURQUOISE TORT

HUXLEY, C3 BLUE & TORT
WALLIS, C3 CRYSTAL

Email: info@walterandherbert.com
printed on fsc certifi ed paper
Address: 83 Sefton Lane, Liverpool, L31 8BU @walterandherbert