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The dandy horse, c1818
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The dandy horse, c1818
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. It was called the draisienne in Paris and known as the Drais Laufmaschine in Germany. It was introduced to England the following year by Denis Johnson, a coachmaker of Long Acre, London, who described it as a pedestrian curricle. Dandy horses had no pedals or brakes, but were propelled by the rider pushing on the ground with his feet, and dragging the feet to slow the machine. Johnson started a school where prospective purchasers could learn how to ride the machine, and in 1819 fashionable London society was briefly gripped by a craze for riding a dandy horse
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Media ID 14836146
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Baron Karl Von Drais Bicycle Bicycles Bike Cycling Denis Drais Hobby Horse Innovation Invention Johnson Pedestrian Hobbyhorse Top Hat Wheel Ann Ronan Pictures
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of transportation - "The dandy horse, c1818". The dandy horse, also known as the hobby horse or Drais Laufmaschine, was the precursor to the modern bicycle. Invented by Baron Karl von Drais in France in 1817 and introduced to England by Denis Johnson in 1818, this innovative contraption revolutionized personal mobility. Intriguingly devoid of pedals or brakes, this peculiar vehicle relied on human power alone. The rider propelled themselves forward by pushing their feet against the ground while dragging them to slow down. It was an entirely new concept that sparked curiosity and excitement among London's fashionable society during its brief craze in 1819. The image showcases a distinguished gentleman confidently riding his dandy horse along a cobblestone road. His top hat adds an air of sophistication as he effortlessly glides through time on this groundbreaking invention. This monochrome snapshot transports us back to the nineteenth century when roads were filled with men dressed impeccably for their cycling adventures. Printed with meticulous detail from Ann Ronan Pictures' collection, it serves as a reminder of how far we have come since then. A testament to human ingenuity and our constant pursuit of progress, this photograph immortalizes not only Baron Karl von Drais' remarkable creation but also pays homage to Denis Johnson's efforts in popularizing it across England. As we admire this historical artifact captured by an unknown creator, let us appreciate how such simple beginnings paved the way for today's advanced modes of transportation and continue inspiring future innovations yet to come.
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