Banton Frameworks

Banton Frameworks is a British spectacle maker founded by Lucy Ross and Jamie Bartlett, whose shared passion for design and optics brought them together to create finely crafted eyewear in Scotland. Their journey began at Glasgow Caledonian University, where both studied International Product Design and were introduced to the technical world of optical frames through the university’s unique BSc (Hons) Optometry course and the support of its optical clinic team. This serendipitous blend of design and medical function inspired them to explore the craft of spectacle making from an informed and creative perspective. They started their craft in 2012 with a simple project using birch laminate ply and acrylic, which sparked curiosity about creating better eyewear. Since then, they have built a dedicated workshop and invested in specialist tools and machines to design and manufacture their own spectacle and sunglasses frames on-site in Glasgow. Their mission is rooted in reviving the tradition of UK-made eyewear, which once produced millions of frames annually but has since dwindled. They are committed to building a new eyewear factory to restore this heritage and offer high-quality frames made with care and expertise. Banton Frameworks design and make their frames from premium materials, notably sourcing acetate from a renowned family-owned factory in northern Italy, which has been crafting cellulose acetate since 1849. This organic polymer is celebrated for its beauty, durability, and skin-friendly qualities. Their glasses blend aesthetic appeal with optical precision, reflecting a deep understanding of both the fashion and functional aspects of eyewear. While they focus on frame making, trusted UK-based partners supply the high-standard lenses fitted into each pair, ensuring the complete spectacle meets exacting optical needs. Their approach is guided by three core principles: designed well, made well, and made in the UK. This ethos guarantees that every pair of glasses carries the mark of quality and authenticity, directly from the hands of the makers in Glasgow. Jamie Bartlett, co-founder of Banton Frameworks, emphasises the brand’s promise to revive the UK’s eyewear industry through dedication and craftsmanship. They invite wearers to join them in this endeavour, highlighting that if more people chose UK-made spectacles, the industry could regain its former strength. Banton Frameworks stands out as a brand where design expertise, technical knowledge, and a commitment to UK manufacturing converge, offering distinctive spectacle frames that are both stylish and functional. Their story is one of careful learning, skill development, and a passion to bring quality British eyewear back to life.