Pennyfarthing Collection

Love on a Bicycle - couple on pennyfarthing bicycles riding close together Date: 1870

John Keen, champion pennyfarthing cyclist. 1902

Velocipede competition in Leipzig, Germany 1885
Scenes from a velocipede competition in Leipzig, Germany. Date: 1885

Cats and dogs on bicycles on a cutout Christmas card. Date: circa 1890s

George Lacy Hillier, English swimmer and cyclist
George Lacy Hillier (1856-1941), English swimmer, racing cyclist (including the pennyfarthing) and all-round athlete. late 19th century

Advertisement, Surrey Machinist Co, Blackman Street, London, depicting a pennyfarthing bicycle. 1883

J H Adams, English pennyfarthing cyclist. late 19th century

Charles Crute, English pennyfarthing cyclist, and first Captain of the Sutton Bicycle Club. late 19th century

Four frogs on bicycles with flowers on a greetings card
Four frogs on (or falling off) pennyfarthing bicycles with flowers on a greetings card. Date: circa 1890s

Four dogs on bicycles on a Christmas card
Four dogs on a Christmas card, riding pennyfarthing bicycles uphill. Date: circa 1890s

Three men with wooden horse on a Christmas card
Three men with a large wooden horse on wheels on a Christmas card. Date: circa 1890s

Little boy riding pennyfarthing bicycle on a birthday card
Little boy riding a pennyfarthing bicycle on a birthday card. The wheels are made from two oval eggs. Date: circa 1890s

Four hares on pennyfarthing bicycles on a New Year card. Date: circa 1890s

WW2 - Austerity - Getting by with alternative transport. Comic postcard from wartime England by Evelyn E Morris, showing alternative forms of transport available if the petrol pumps ran dry

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"Love on a Bicycle: A Nostalgic Ride through Pennyfarthing History" Step back in time and join George Lacy Hillier, the remarkable English swimmer and cyclist, as he takes us on a journey through the captivating world bicycles. Intriguingly introduced by an advertisement from the Surrey Machinist Co, these towering contraptions with their oversized front wheel and tiny rear wheel became synonymous with adventure and daring feats. Meet John Keen, the champion pennyfarthing cyclist who fearlessly conquered every road that lay before him. Across borders, we witness the exhilarating Velocipede competition held in Leipzig, Germany in 1885. J H Adams, an English pennyfarthing cyclist of great skill, showcases his prowess alongside Charles Crute – both leaving spectators awestruck at their speed and agility atop these iconic machines. But it's not just athletes who embraced this unique mode of transportation. Delightful Christmas cards reveal three men joyfully riding a wooden horse-shaped pennyfarthing bicycle while spreading holiday cheer. Meanwhile, a little boy celebrates his birthday by pedaling proudly on his own miniaturized version of this vintage wonder. Breaking barriers even further is an enchanting depiction of a black man gracefully gliding along on his very own pennyfarthing bicycle – reminding us that passion for cycling knows no bounds or limitations. Not to be outdone by humans alone, whimsical Christmas cards feature four mischievous cats perched precariously atop these high-wheeled marvels while four wise owls observe curiously from above - showcasing how even our feline friends were captivated by the allure of these extraordinary bicycles. The legacy of the pennyfarthing lives on; its charm forever etched in history as a symbol of innovation and nostalgia. So hop aboard your imagination and embark on this delightful journey into yesteryears where love blossomed on a bicycle, and the pennyfarthing reigned supreme.