There are a very small number of other characters that we've seen wearing them on occasion for reading including Ken, Rita, Emily, (all of them senior citizens) and even rarely on occasion, Kal, Gail, Owen and, I think, Dev, and Audrey maybe. I'm probably missing a couple but for the most part, those are the only ones I can recall with frames on their face even now and then.
That strikes me as very odd. In a neighbourhood with this many characters, half of whom are over 40 or close enough to it, there should be far more that use them at least for reading and a good handful more that have progressed to wearing glasses full time. I've certainly seen my friends' and family's eyes covered more over the advancing years.
It's particularly odd that I haven't seen any of the factory workers wearing them for their job. You would think that after years of having to do precise and close stitching, some of the stitchers might need a bit of magnification as their eyes age. (or have I just not really noticed?)
Back in the 90s, there was a storyline where Bet thought someone was stealing from the till in the pub. It turned out that Jack wasn't seeing correctly and was giving out the wrong change. He got specs and all was clear again. Betty and Blanche used to wear them full time, and in the old days, so did Albert Tatlock. I recall Elsie Tanner using them for reading once or twice. Overall, though, most characters seem to be spec-less.
It just seems odd. I'll get me coat.
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14 comments:
In the age of contact lenses and laser correction, perhaps it is less odd than in previous times? There are many types of progressive contacts now, so even bi or tri-focal spec wearers can opt for contacts and optometrists seem to promote spec solutions that adjust and promote full-time use rather than just reading glasses.
Renee Roberts had a huge pair. Martha Longhurst had a small, round pair. Jack Walker had a black pair.
Not just older folks wear prescription glasses. My son has worn them since he was 7 years old. Regarding spectinator comments - yes contacts and laser correction is available but I wouldn't think a lot of the characters on Corrie could afford it. Not with all the money they spend in the Bistro, Rovers and Roys.
Are the prices comparable between glasses and contacts? Are either covered under the National Health? In a working class neighbourhood like Corrie contacts seem a little upmarket.
It's the actors who have found alternatives to glasses, and the writers haven't given any thought to the accessories that we would associate with characters. I always remember Jack Duckworth and his sellotaped glasses, and both Deirdre and Blanche with their huge specs. And why couldn't one of the youngsters have glasses like Anonymous above mentions? It's the little things like this, and speech mannerisms that bring a character to life. Talking of glasses for older people, why not have Emily take her umbrella with her everywhere even when it's not raining? The reason being that she's too proud to use a walking stick. Maybe the writers are too young to know about these little foibles.
Maybe glasses are seen as un-sexy and so not many people were them on the street.
Other Street regulars with glasses: Percy Sugden, Curly, Reg Holdsworth, Alec Gilroy, Bill Webster.
You never saw Minnie Caldwell or Ena Sharples wearing glasses either. Or Annie Walker.
^^ Llifon, actually all three did at some point or another.
Mr Swinley and Maud Grimes. And, as one of the show's most iconic moments reminded us following the character's death, Stanley Ogden.
don't forget Ernest Bishop ! and Curly ! also Vera Duckworth wore them in the end !
Where is Norris? I miss seeing him on screen.
- Pod
I can say for certain that in my neck of the woods, working class or not, the two things younger folk can't do without are cell phones and contacts - no matter how cool spec styles have become!
Ah right David. Thanks. And it was supposed to be 'wear' not 'were'! Me and my grammmar! Lol
Yes there are lots of people that have worn glasses but really, not a lot that wear them full time unless the actor has to have them to see, or in Deirdre's and Curly's case, as a prop. You'd think you would see more of them wearing them for at least reading or sewing. Eyes get old and need help.
Glasses are cool! Surely some of the younger characters could wear some statement specs?!!
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