White glass eye with blue iris, cased, London, England, 1901-1940
Glass was the obvious material for artificial eyes in the early 20th century. This eye is hemispherical and remarkably lifelike. It was made by eye maker Gustav Taylor. He prided himself on the natural appearance of his artificial eyes. Taylor handcrafted them within an hour for customers while they waited. He also invented eyes with dilating pupils.
Object number:
A680659
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: artificial eye
A curved disk of opaque glass or plastic, containing an imitation iris and pupil in the centre, inserted beneath the eyelids and supported by the orbital contents after evisceration or enucleation; it may be ready-made (stock) or custom-made
Glossary: prostheses
Artificial body parts, or materials inserted into tissue for functional, cosmetic, or therapeutic effect. Prostheses can be functional (artificial arms and legs), or cosmetic (artificial eye).