Lot Essay
Peter Dollond (1731-1820) and his father John (1706-1761) descended from Huguenot silk-weavers who emigrated to Spitalfields, London circa 1700. John's passion for the science of optics inspired his son Peter set up an optical instrucments shop in Kennington., London in 1750 and upon its success his father joined him. Dollond quickly established an excellent reputation, demonstrated by their appointment as optician to His Majesty King George III in 1761. They are credited with several patents which are still used to this day.