A new exhibition of historical artifacts has been unveiled in the city, which aims to help Birmingham free-wheel through its history – quite literally. The latest exhibition, which is titled ‘Cycles of Innovation’, features 16 bicycles; all of which have been manufactured in the city, with the earliest produced in 1905.
The installation has been created in partnership between STEAMhouse and Birmingham Museums Trust, in a bid to give Brummies a chance to see, admire, and learn about the city’s long and rich heritage of innovation. Suspending the bikes in the atrium of STEAMhouse, viewers are able to assess the pieces from multiple vantage points: from beneath as they enter the building; and at eye-level from STEAMhouse’s mezzanine.
Curated by STEAMhouse and installed by Unusual Rigging, the unique exhibition has been deemed a ‘homecoming’ for the bicycles, given STEAMhouse’s history as the former headquarters for the Eccles Rubber and Cycle Company. Now homed in one of the West Midlands’ most recognised centres of future innovation, the bikes on display collectively represent more than a century of local craftsmanship, ingenuity, and the enduring spirit of progress.
From the oldest bicycle, a 1905 Quadrant Chainless that exemplifies the pioneering thinking driving forward early 20th century engineering; to the most recent, a 1987 Raleigh Randonneur, showcasing the continuing evolution of materials and design: each one has been chosen to provide a piece of the puzzle in building the picture of Birmingham’s proud manufacturing background.
Speaking about the exhibition, Harris Beider, Pro Vice Chancellor of Engagement, Enterprise and Innovation at Birmingham City University, commented:
“We are so pleased that we have been able to bring this installation to life alongside the team at Birmingham Museums Trust and to have the exhibition now beautifully displayed in STEAMhouse for all to enjoy. Much like STEAMhouse’s previous life as a bicycle factory, each of the bikes has its own story – all of which are intrinsically linked to the city. Not only were they made locally but they have each been owned, ridden, and loved by Brummies who took them on these very streets and beyond.
“Each bike has been dutifully cared for by the Birmingham Museums Trust team and I know all of us at STEAMhouse and Birmingham City University are beyond proud to be able to take them out of the archive and give them a new lease of life by showcasing them here. By bringing these historic bicycles back to the public, we hope that we can not only celebrate the cycles of innovation that have defined Birmingham so far; but also inspire future generations of designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to create their own innovations for years to come.”
The exhibition boasts bicycles from renowned local manufactures including New Hudson in Deritend, Hercules in Aston, and the still-operational BSA in Small Heath. Each of these companies not only produced bicycles but also contributed to the city’s reputation as a hub of innovation and quality manufacturing.
Toby Watley, Director of Collections at the Birmingham Museum Trust, adds:
“Bicycles have a very special place in Birmingham’s industrial heritage and STEAMhouse has played a pivotal role in this story. As a former bicycle works and rubber manufacturer, it’s the perfect place to showcase the bicycles and bridge the past and present dialogue of innovation.
With bicycles ranging from the early 20th century to the present day, they are a testament to the lasting legacy of Birmingham’s industrial prowess, and serve as a tribute to the workers and engineers who propelled Birmingham into the forefront of the bicycle industry.”