2_0_DiscoverGermany_August 2015_Issue29:Scan Magazine 1
27/7/15
16:40
Page 42
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Exclusive Eyewear
One of a kind: Spectacles with your history Can’t find the right glasses? Just create your own! Manufacturer Jörn Dackow will handcraft the spectacles that you always wanted. To make it extra special, you can even add on the family jewels. TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: JÖRN DACKOW/HORST-PETER TRAUB
“We only sell in-house developed, handmade spectacles – straight from the manufacturer’s workshop,” explains Dackow, founder of Manufakturbrille and the German guild of spectacles manufacturers. “Our slogan is: your style, your design, your unique specimen. We develop our spectacles based on the English‘bespoke’tradition according to our customer’s unique requests and measurements.This even makes sizes such as xxl or xxs a possibility.” Dackow’s customers can choose from a vast range of materials including synthetics, wood, natural horn, stone, mammoth ivory, nacre, gold or silver. Alternatively, they can bring their own materials to be processed. “The assignments I enjoy most are spectacles that the customers share a personal history with,”reveals Dackow.“For example if they request family jewels to be incorpo-
42 | Issue 29 | August 2015
rated into the spectacles. Personally, I like glasses that are made from antique things. My own glasses have a frame temple from a 100-year-old foot rule.” After 13 years as branch manager within the ophthalmic opticians industry, the fan of British tea and traditional British labels such as John Lobb wanted to find something completely new connected to his passion for craftsmanship. Opening hours of Manufakturbrille are by appointment-only, thus ensuring that the manufacturer can take the necessary time and tranquility for the eye examination and consultation. In addition, the antique workshop is situated in a 270-year-old farmhouse in the countryside north of Hamburg. Plus, in 2011, Dackow undertook a 'pilgrimage' to all the places related to 700 years of spectacles history.
Top: Silver setting with natural horn Above: Setting made of vintage silver
After several features in books and on TV channel NDR, news of Dackow’s unusual business idea soon travelled further than Northern Germany.“I now get many customers that come from further afield, for example Berlin, Dortmund or Switzerland,” he says before adding yet another significant business advantage. “Instead of the usual two years, I offer a five year warranty plus home and office visits. Repairs are free.” www.manufakturbrille.de
Portrait: Jörn Dackow with his teacher Hans Schnelle