Over time vision aids have been employed for a variety of purposes other than correcting vision.  Some of their uses have included communicating social status, creating fashion, and as objects of art.  In this exhibit we explore how vision aids were used as spy devices, providing men and women with a covert means of looking at each other. 

European society from the mid 1600s to the end of the 19^th century used monoculars, binoculars, lorgnettes, fans, and walking canes as spyglasses.  Chronicling the development of these vision aids, we uncover public contempt of and private fascination with the phenomenon of spying.

The Monocular

The Binocular

At the Theater: 1680-1870

At the Theater: 1870-1900

The Fan

The Lorgnette

Canes

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Special thanks for this exhibit goes to the Museum of Vision Exhibits and Educational Outreach Committee and to Jean-Paul Wayenborgh of Wayenborgh Publishing, Ostend, Belgium for providing the illustrations