Inspired by the engineering genius of the Cubitt brothers, Cubitts is driven by the belief that spectacles should be transformative objects – a confluent fusion of design, function, and style. Each frame is made by hand and built to be worn for life, repaired when necessary rather than replaced. By combining cutting-edge technology with traditional craft, Cubitts is modernising the global optical industry in its own quiet way.
What can people expect from Cubitts?
We are modern spectacle makers, and our stores encapsulate that ethos. Unlike often clinical-feeling high street opticians, each store is individually designed to reflect the local area and its history. Our Coal Drops Yard store references King’s Cross’ history as an area of constant renewal and rejuvenation, with particular design details paying homage to our namesake Lewis Cubitt, the Victorian architect who built the Granary Building and what is now Stable Street. As well as our core range of handmade spectacles and sunglasses, our Coal Drops Yard store offers thorough eye examinations, frame repairs and adjustments, and our Bespoke design and engraving service.
What can people find in the Coal Drops Yard Store that they can’t find anywhere else?
The Coal Drops Yard Collection: four Bespoke silhouettes, inspired by the fascinating people and places that make up King’s Cross’ history, including Thomas Heatherwick, Antony Gormley, and Boudicca. These frames are exclusive to our Coal Drops Yard store and are only available through our Bespoke service, meaning your pair will be made by hand in London to fit your exact facial measurements, in your choice of 140 acetate colours and patterns.
What was the inspiration behind Cubitts?
Our founder was obsessed with spectacles from a young age, but found that this centuries old industry had turned from creating something prized and precious to something clinical and throwaway. He wanted to revolutionise the industry, from introducing transparent pricing and eschewing upselling to democratising bespoke services, merging traditional craft methods with modern technology to create a product that people would cherish for many years.
