Meet Daniel Walker Spectacle Maker
For as long as I can remember I have loved to make things. I live for the challenge of the initial design and thrive on the pursuit of overcoming the obstacles necessary to achieve the desired outcome. One of my first memories is of collecting cardboard boxes so that I could cut them up and tape together new creations. This was the beginning of my model making which I still enjoy today, mainly in the form of flyable miniature aircraft.
On leaving school a friend mentored me in the craft of musical instrument making. This was my first venture into commercial manufacturing completing numerous small to medium size (23 to 34 string) Harps. This eventually led to the restoration of larger concert size Pedal Harps.
My career in optics began in 1997 as a Lab Technician in a medium sized Optometry practice here in Whangarei, New Zealand. Frame repairs and lens fitting soon led to formal studies of optics resulting in my Dispensing Optician qualification in 2001, which I have maintained ever since.
I have always been attracted to the vast array of frame styles, designs, materials, colours and the infinite combination possibilities. Spoilt for choice of overseas manufacturers I was disappointed there were no longer any New Zealand options. My creative interest was piqued and my frame making journey began.
Development started with experiments in more traditional construction methods and I soon realised they did not fit the media I preferred to work with, match my creative style or met the the level of originality I visualised. It was around this time I had the opportunity to spend some time pursuing another interest - full size aircraft restoration. It was here I combined the two which evolved into my unique style of spectacle frame design.
The Design Story
​​After qualifying as a Dispensing Optician in 2001 I embarked on a career in optics that continues to this day. While enjoying the client contact and science involved I missed the design and construction I had been involved with prior. My model engineering and aeromodelling pastime soon led to thoughts of frame design. Learning there was no longer any local manufacturers fueled my enthusiasm to recreate a truly New Zealand made brand.
Initially exploring traditional construction methods and materials I soon discovered they did not lend themselves to the level of handmade customisation and uniqueness I was looking to achieve. About this time an opportunity presented itself to become involved in vintage aircraft restoration. It was here I discovered and gained experience in the properties of 2024 Aluminum - a strong and lightweight metal that has been proven in the aerospace industry for decades.
With my preferred material chosen experiments continued in construction techniques and hinge design. After many years of trialing these designs for my own use I now have a favourite hinge and overall construction technique that I believe is unique and meets my criteria of strength, comfort and style. As a part time venture this evolution has been relatively slow but by wearing my designs fulltime over the years I have been able to test their overall wear-ability as well as people's reactions to my designs. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, encouraging me to continue.
I now have a number of rim shapes most of which are modular and can be adjusted in proportions to fit the individual. I have also established a relationship with a small local powder coating firm who is able to accommodate ‘one offs’. This means colour combinations are usually only limited by the imagination and it is especially satisfying when favourite colours can be combined together with a chosen frame style, - in my experience an outcome seldom achieved with mass produced product.
Design Development
The frame that started it all. 100% hand made from aluminum plate. Proof of concept.
The frame that started it all. 100% hand made from aluminum plate. Proof of concept.
The frame that started it all. 100% hand made from aluminum plate. Proof of concept.
The frame that started it all. 100% hand made from aluminum plate. Proof of concept.
Model 001, #1
Experiment with aluminum sheet. Non sprung hinges also fabricated from sheet. Reasonable happy with the outcome but did not get my proportions right so never worn.
Experiment with aluminum sheet. Non sprung hinges also fabricated from sheet. Reasonable happy with the outcome but did not get my proportions right so never worn.
Experiment with aluminum sheet. Non sprung hinges also fabricated from sheet. Reasonable happy with the outcome but did not get my proportions right so never worn.
Experiment with aluminum sheet. Non sprung hinges also fabricated from sheet. Reasonable happy with the outcome but did not get my proportions right so never worn.
Model 002
Early traditional wire construction attempt. The technique required did not come natural to me and I quickly abandoned the idea before finishing
Early traditional wire construction attempt. The technique required did not come natural to me and I quickly abandoned the idea before finishing
Early traditional wire construction attempt. The technique required did not come natural to me and I quickly abandoned the idea before finishing
Early traditional wire construction attempt. The technique required did not come natural to me and I quickly abandoned the idea before finishing
R & D
Cementing my decision to work with aluminum, this is my first successful prescription frame. The proportions were good and its comfort convinced me to carry on. Its shape returned and lives on in Model 010
Cementing my decision to work with aluminum, this is my first successful prescription frame. The proportions were good and its comfort convinced me to carry on. Its shape returned and lives on in Model 010
Cementing my decision to work with aluminum, this is my first successful prescription frame. The proportions were good and its comfort convinced me to carry on. Its shape returned and lives on in Model 010
Cementing my decision to work with aluminum, this is my first successful prescription frame. The proportions were good and its comfort convinced me to carry on. Its shape returned and lives on in Model 010
Model 003
A refinement in design and construction. Like others before had a paint finish that did not wear well. This was one of the first to be powder coated.
A refinement in design and construction. Like others before had a paint finish that did not wear well. This was one of the first to be powder coated.
A refinement in design and construction. Like others before had a paint finish that did not wear well. This was one of the first to be powder coated.
A refinement in design and construction. Like others before had a paint finish that did not wear well. This was one of the first to be powder coated.
Model 005
My first frame made from genuine Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum. The shape evolved into Model 008
My first frame made from genuine Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum. The shape evolved into Model 008
My first frame made from genuine Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum. The shape evolved into Model 008
My first frame made from genuine Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum. The shape evolved into Model 008
Model 006
My second frame made from genuine Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum. Shape to suit an existing pair of lenses.
My second frame made from genuine Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum. Shape to suit an existing pair of lenses.
My second frame made from genuine Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum. Shape to suit an existing pair of lenses.
My second frame made from genuine Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aluminum. Shape to suit an existing pair of lenses.