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York Optical started in 1949 in Melbourne by Martin Gertler who was quickly joined by a mate, Arthur Geddes. It was situated in Somerset Place, off Elizabeth St, which was behind Martins brothers magic (as in sleight of hand) shop, Bernard the Magician. The shopping complex on the corner was called York House. Martin and Arthur ran York Optical until Arthur retired after heart problems in about 1972. Arthur went on to make mirrors for people under his company UltraView Optics until his death in 1998, he was the Mark Suchting of his time (6-20" optics any optical configuration). He was good friends with Bill James and they collaborated in a few projects. Arthur was the first in Australia to import Guan Sheng products. Martin continued to run York Optical with Jack Surry as his offsider until the mid to late 80's. In about 1988-9 Martin sold York Optical to Klaus Missins who was operating his own optical company in Perth. In 1991-2 Klaus opened his York Brisbane shop and a couple of years later the York Sydney office appeared.
That's how York Optical began with just a bit of history thrown in.
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