18 November 2015 - 30 June 2016
Design Museum
"If you aren't already in love with the world of cycling, this exhibition will change that." ★★★★★ Londonist
“As an assembly of bicycle porn the Design Museum’s new Cycle Revolution is absolutely filthy.” The Times
“The Design Museum's bike exhibition is a dream for all who love two wheels.” The Guardian
"Fascinating." ★★★★ The Telegraph
The last decade has seen a revolution in cycling not witnessed in the UK since the Second World War. The final exhibition at the Design Museum’s Shad Thames location before it’s move to Kensington, celebrated the diversity of contemporary cycling in Britain from Olympic level competition to every day commuting.
Cycle Revolution explored cycling subcultures through four ‘tribes’ - the High Performers, Thrill Seekers, Urban Riders and Cargo Bikers. The exhibition brought together iconic bicycles from some of the finest manufacturers Including Pinarello, Team Sky, Brompton and Boardman Elite; high-end kit and accessories from Rapha, Vulpine and others; personal pieces belonging to well-known cyclists including Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Bradley Wiggins and Sir Paul Smith; as well as specially-commissioned film and photography to tell the powerful, personal and sometimes remarkable stories of cycling today.
Cycle Revolution looked at changes in manufacturing techniques and innovations in material and design. A large-scale recreation of a bike builders workshop showed how bespoke bikes are created by craftsmen who tailor each one to the precise specifications of its user. The exhibition’s final section examined the future of cycling - how it is changing the infrastructure of the city and how designers and urban planners are responding to the needs of twenty-first century cyclists, through new infrastructure projects, new technologies and concept bikes.
The exhibition was awarded ‘Best Cycling Event’ at the London Cycling Awards 2016.
