Eyewear · Vintage
Tart Glasses
Tart Optical glasses stockist in Birmingham. Try them on at Edgbaston or Barnt Green.
EYE Opticians is a Tart Optical stockist in Birmingham. We hold Tart Optical Enterprise frames from the 2010 run, made by hand in Italy, in the two shapes the name is known for: the Arnel and the FDR. You can try them on at EYE Opticians in Edgbaston or Barnt Green, and we will fit them with modern lenses made for your prescription. The frames we hold are limited, so call Edgbaston on 0121 456 5676 or Barnt Green on 0121 445 4545 before you travel.
New York, 1948
Tart Optical Enterprises was founded in New York in 1948 by Julius Tart. Its best-known frame is the Arnel, the shape associated with James Dean. The FDR is the other core design.
The look has lasted. Johnny Depp wore the Arnel in Secret Window, playing a writer struggling to see the truth, and Stanley Tucci wears the FDR in polished black.
The name was revived around 2016 as Julius Tart Optical, by the founder's nephew Richard Tart with Tommy O'Gara, with frames made in Japan. Those are a different product from the Tart Optical Enterprise frames we hold.
You can read more in our news story, Tart Optical at Eye Opticians, Birmingham.
The two Tart shapes
- Arnel: the frame associated with James Dean, and the one Johnny Depp wore on screen.
- FDR: the other core Tart shape, worn by Stanley Tucci in polished black.
Try Tart Optical on in Birmingham
EYE Opticians is a Tart Optical stockist with two practices: our opticians in Birmingham at 44 Islington Row, Edgbaston, and our opticians in Barnt Green at 28 Hewell Road. Call ahead and we will tell you which practice has the Tart Optical frames you want to see.
A frame consultation takes around 30 minutes. We talk about how you wear your glasses, measure your face and fitting, and bring out the Tart Optical frames that suit your features and your prescription. Every frame is adjusted to you before you leave, and there is never any obligation.
Walk-ins are welcome at both practices, and you can also book an appointment. To arrange a time, call Edgbaston on 0121 456 5676 or Barnt Green on 0121 445 4545, or send us a message.
Lenses and prescription
A vintage-pattern frame takes modern lenses without difficulty. We glaze Tart Optical frames with single vision or varifocal lenses from Hoya, Essilor or Zeiss, and we check that the frame suits your prescription before you commit to it. The same frames can be glazed with tinted or polarised prescription lenses if you want to wear them as sunglasses. Read more about our lens consultation and prescription sunglasses.
Good to know
Tart Optical: Your Questions
Is this original Tart Optical or the Julius Tart Optical revival?
The frames we hold are Tart Optical Enterprise frames from the 2010 run, made by hand in Italy. Julius Tart Optical is a separate, later revival of the name, made in Japan.
Can vintage-pattern frames take modern prescription lenses?
Yes. We glaze the frames with current single vision or varifocal lenses from Hoya, Essilor or Zeiss, and we check that the frame suits your prescription before you order.
Where can I try on Tart Optical glasses in Birmingham?
At EYE Opticians. We have two practices: our Edgbaston practice at 44 Islington Row and our Barnt Green practice at 28 Hewell Road. Walk-ins are welcome and you can also book an appointment. Call ahead and we will tell you which practice has the frames you want to see.
Reach out
Message Eye
Visit us for personalised service and pair your frames with high-quality lenses from Hoya, Essilor or Zeiss. For more information or to book an appointment, call us or send a message.
- Edgbaston
- 0121 456 5676
- Barnt Green
- 0121 445 4545
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