Obituary ~ Colin Eldridge Past Clerk WCSM

OBITUARY 

Colin Eldridge

The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) is sad to announce the death of Colin Eldridge, who served as Clerk to the Company for 32 years, from 1966 to 1998.  

After wartime evacuation in Devon, a law degree at Bristol University, and National Service, Colin joined the then Corporation of London, before becoming only the 22nd known Clerk to the Spectacle Makers since the Company was founded in 1629.

As Clerk, Colin was the WCSM’s de facto Chief Executive, coordinating the Company’s activities and acting as custodian of its traditions.

Colin provided leadership and continuity during a period of significant change. During his tenure, WCSM played a prominent role in establishing the College of Optometrists and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). With those new bodies in place, the Company’s education programme increasingly focused on boosting skills among optical technicians and optical practice support staff. The Company’s SMC(Tech) qualification for optical technicians was given statutory recognition under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.

Following his retirement in 1998, Colin remained an Honorary Liveryman of WCSM and served as the Company’s Archivist. His work of indexing the Company’s minute books and membership records culminated in the 2019 publication of his book The Spectacle Makers (1629–1929): The first 300 years in Minutes.

Fiona Anderson, Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, said:

‘All of us at the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers are mourning the loss of Colin Eldridge, who served as our Clerk for an astonishing 32 years. During his long and distinguished tenure, Colin led the Company through many changes and found new ways for us to deliver our enduring mission: supporting Better Vision for All.

‘We will miss Colin’s unparalleled knowledge of the Spectacle Makers’ history and traditions. But most of all, we will miss his kindness, friendship, and support. Our thoughts are with Colin’s family, particularly his wife Mary.’