Pedestrian Hobbyhorse Collection

The Pedestrian Hobbies, or the Difference of Going Up and Down Hill, published April 8, 1819. Creator: William Heath
The Pedestrian Hobbies, or the Difference of Going Up and Down Hill, published April 8, 1819. Men riding hobby horses (a forerunner of the bicycle)

The Dandy and His Postillion - or the Waay to Laugh Up Hill, 1819. Creator: William Heath
The Dandy and His Postillion - or the Waay to Laugh Up Hill, 1819. Ha! Ha! Ha! poor fellow! goodbye! He! He! He!'. Cus these hills! If the lace of my Stays should break I'm done over'

Hobbies or Attitude is Everything, Dedicated with permission to all Dandy.. pub. April 17, 1819. Creator: William Heath
Hobbies or Attitude is Everything, Dedicated with permission to all Dandy Horsemen, published April 17, 1819. An accident involving men riding hobby horses (a forerunner of the bicycle)

Going to the Races, published May 14, 1819. Creator: William Heath
Going to the Races, published May 14, 1819. Carriage pulled by men riding hobby horses, a forerunner of the bicycle lacking pedals and brakes. Attributed to William Heath

Everyone His Hobby, plate 1, published April 24, 1819. Creator: William Heath
Everyone His Hobby, plate 1, published April 24, 1819. Caricatures of men riding hobby horses (a forerunner of the bicycle) designed to reflect their profession

A Family Party Taking an Airing, 1819. Creator: William Heath
A Family Party Taking an Airing, 1819. A hobby horse (a forerunner of the bicycle) adapted to carry a passenger (and her pets). The rider is teased by monkeys. Attributed to William Heath

Making the Most of £10, 000 per Ann. by Saving Travelling Expences, 1819. Creator: JL Marks
Making the Most of £10, 000 per Ann. by Saving Travelling Expences, 1819

Pedestrian Hobby Horse, n.d. Creator: JL Marks
Pedestrian Hobby Horse, n.d

Bum Bailiff Out-Dones, April 1, 1819. Creator: JL Marks
Bum Bailiff Out-Dones, April 1, 1819

Every Man on his Perch, 1819. Creator: Isaac Robert Cruikshank
Every Man on his Perch, 1819

The Hobby Horse, c1915, (1932). Artist: George Spencer Watson
The Hobby Horse, c1915, (1932). From Modern Art by Charles Marriott & Tis & Tis. [Colour Ltd. London, 1909]

The Hobby Horse, c. 1767 / 68. Creator: Suzuki Harunobu
The Hobby Horse, c. 1767/68

View of a Pedestrian Hobbyhorse, 1819
View of a Pedestrian Hobbyhorse, with a description of the contraption underneath, 1819

Going to Hobby Fair, 1835. Artist
Going to Hobby Fair, 1835. A lake in a park, with citizens disporting themselves on hobby horses on the banks. In the foreground a stout figure, his hat and wig removed

Ladys Pedestrian Hobby-Horse, 1819, (1939). From Cycling 1839-1939. [John Player & Sons, London, 1939]

Pedestrian Hobby-Horse, 1819, (1939). From Cycling 1839-1939. [John Player & Sons, London, 1939]

Johnsons Pedestrian Hobby-Horse Riding School at 377, Strand, 1819, (1912). Coloured aquatint showing fashionably dresed men riding hobby horses at a riding school in London

The Military Accelerator - Particularly Recommended to Cavalry Officers, c1820. Cartoon showing a suggested use for the Hobby-Horse or Dandy-Horse which was introduced into the British Isles in 1818

The dandy horse, c1818. The dandy or hobby horse was the forerunner of the bicycle and was invented by Baron von Drais in France in 1817

Draisienne or velocipede shown replacing horses in the French post service, 1818
Draisienne or velocipede, France, 1818. The Draisienne was the forerunner of the bicycle and was invented by Baron von Drais in France in 1817

Lewis Gompertzs improvement on Baron von Draiss bicycle, 1821. The dandy or hobby horse was the forerunner of the bicycle and was invented by Baron von Drais in France in 1817

Primitive bicycle, a form of dandy horse, c1818. The dandy or hobby horse was the forerunner of the bicycle and was invented by Baron von Drais in France in 1817

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"The Evolution of the Pedestrian Hobbyhorse: A Journey Through Time" Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of the pedestrian hobbyhorse, a precursor to modern bicycles. From its earliest appearances in art to its transformation into a popular mode of transportation, this captivating invention has left an indelible mark on our society. Dating as far back as 1767, Suzuki Harunobu's creation called "The Hobby Horse" showcases an early version of this innovative contraption. Fast forward to c. 1818, and we encounter "The Dandy Horse, " another iteration that gained popularity among enthusiasts seeking a new way to move around. In 1819, a significant milestone was reached with the introduction of "View of a Pedestrian Hobbyhorse. " This artwork captures both the curiosity and excitement surrounding these novel vehicles. The same year witnessed further advancements with Johnsons' Pedestrian Hobby-Horse Riding School at 377 Strand - an establishment dedicated to teaching individuals how to ride these peculiar machines. As technology progressed, so did the design and functionality of pedestrian hobbyhorses. In 1820, "The Military Accelerator" emerged as an innovation particularly recommended for cavalry officers. It showcased how this mode of transport could revolutionize military operations. Meanwhile, across the English Channel in France, Baron von Drais introduced his velocipede in 1818—a groundbreaking development that replaced horses within their post service. Lewis Gompertzs then improved upon Baron von Drais' bicycle design in 1821—an important step towards creating more efficient means of transportation. By c1915-1932, George Spencer Watson immortalized these historical inventions through his artistic lens with pieces such as "The Hobby Horse. " These artworks serve as reminders not only of our past but also highlight how far we have come since those humble beginnings. Today's sleek bicycles owe their existence to these early prototypes—the primitive dandy horse, the pedestrian hobbyhorse.