Rights Managed > Historic England > The way we were > Leisure > Cycling
Putney Cycling Club OFH01_01_02_052
Filename: ofh01_01_02_052.jpg
Size: 5652 x 4096 (4.9MB)
Date: 26th September 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: His toric England Archive
Source: His toric England Archive
Owner URL: https ://images .his toricenglands ervices .org.uk/
Job Title: Photographer
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Putney Cycling Club OFH01_01_02_052
Portrait of eight men in club kit posed for the camera with their penny farthing bicycles, around 1890. The photograph may show members of the Putney Cycling Club. Penny farthing bicycles were in use from 1870, and were also known as the Ordinary or High Wheeler. The penny farthings shown in this image have different wheel sizes - the largest manufactured penny farthing had a wheel diameter of 60 inches (Michael Hutchinson, Re: Cyclists 200 Years on Two Wheels)
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 26389003
© Historic England Archive
1890s Bicycle Cycling People Recreation
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> Historic Images
> Famed Photographers
> William Field (1854 - 1932)
> Historic Images
> The Victorian Age
> The 1870s
> The way we were
> Leisure
> Cycling
Capturing the Spirit of Cycling Pioneers - A Glimpse into Putney's Rich Cycling History
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This photo print, taken around 1890, transports us back to a time when cycling was not just a sport but an adventurous pursuit. The image showcases eight dapper gentlemen proudly posing for the camera in their club kit, surrounded by their magnificent penny farthing bicycles. Believed to be members of the esteemed Putney Cycling Club, these men epitomize the spirit of early cycling pioneers. The penny farthing bicycles they stand beside were iconic symbols of this era. With their large front wheels towering over smaller rear ones, these "Ordinary" or "High Wheeler" bikes represented both elegance and daring. Each bicycle in this photograph exhibits varying wheel sizes - a testament to the evolution and experimentation that characterized this exciting period. As we gaze at this snapshot frozen in time, we can almost feel the camaraderie among these cyclists who shared a common passion for exploration and adventure on two wheels. Their determined expressions hint at countless hours spent honing their skills while traversing through picturesque landscapes. William O Field's remarkable composition allows us to immerse ourselves in history and appreciate how cycling has evolved over centuries. This print serves as a reminder that even then, cycling was more than just recreation; it embodied freedom, resilience, and an unwavering love for pushing boundaries. Let us cherish this glimpse into Putney's rich cycling heritage as we celebrate those who
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