Simon Murray is the man behind the lenses of many famous bespectacled characters on both the television and silver screen.
Simon Murray a.k.a “Mr Specs” is a specialist crowd (extras) costumier on many epic movie sets and more recently, the American drama TV streaming series Marco Polo. Shot at Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios in Nusajaya, Johor.
Simon has one of the one largest private collections of spectacles which he loans and customises for films, television, theatre, advertising campaigns and has provided glasses for a plethora of movie stars from Sean Connery to Tom Cruise.
Much of his handmade eyewear and original period spectacles have be commissioned and used for many a blockbuster movie such as: Star Wars, James Bond, Mission Impossible, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and Batman to name but a few … READ MORE …
Fashion Spectacles, Spectacular Fashion. By authors Simon Murray and Nicky Albrechtsen
This book will tell you a bit about each era from the 20’s – 90’s and how fashion, films and eyewear interlinks. As well as that all the images in Fashion Spectacles, Spectacular Fashion are from Simon’s collection of glasses.
Some of those frames are truly stunning and you can definitely see how the designs have evolved and how frame design goes around in a cycle, just like fashion. Some of the frames featured in the book are from some of the biggest brands which are still around now such as the classic Ray-ban, Christian Dior, Oliver Goldsmith and Persol just to name a few.
The 20th century marked a turning point in spectacle design. Eyewear, which had previously been classed as purely functional, was transformed into an ultra-chic fashion accessory. This irresistible sourcebook features vintage glasses of all shapes, styles and sizes … READ MORE …
How it all started. In the humble beginning of his career, Simon polished shoes before going on to work with senior costumiers.
But he still has fond memories of the day an actor said: “I think you ought to take this up this costume malarkey as a career you have a passion for it?”
Murray was convinced! Especially when the actor went on to say, “60 per cent of a character depends not on the actor but on the costume”. That actor was Sir Lawrence Olivier
Then in 1984, whilst working on the Apple Macintosh commercial directed by Ridley Scott. Murray the costumier observed that the Big Brother-like character wore two pairs of spectacles, and he recognised the demand for optical props among film companies and costume designers. Onspec Ontic was born and the rest as they say is history.
Passionate about fund raising. At every opportunity whilst on film location Simon takes time out to set up his exhibition of film memorabilia, costumes and glasses he has amassed over the years, to raise money for local charities and Fight for Sight www.fightforsight.org.uk.
Whenever he’s on set he gets the celebrities to draw a pair of spectacle frames that best represents them or a character they have portrayed. He then gets 2 pairs of spectacles or sunglasses specially handmade, one for the exhibition and the other auctioned for a charitable cause.
Specs Appeal. When you buy a new pair of spectacles what do you do with your old pair? Do you leave them somewhere to gather dust or become damaged? What if your old, unwanted glasses could change someone’s life?
Donate your old spectacles so we can pass them on to Vision Aid Overseas. This international charity is dedicated to fighting poverty by transforming access to eye care in developing countries. Alternatively you can forward them direct to: www.visionaidoverseas.org. Thank you.