Victorian Velocity - Racing on the Shoulders of History

Artist’s Statement: D J Wilson, LRPS

I am never one to miss an intriguing event so when in London in 2024 took time out to cover the action at the Penny Farthing (Bicycle) Guinness Book of World Records Extravaganza with the greatest gathering of Penny Farthings in one place since the 1880s.

Held at the Herne Hill Velodrome in south London, the event showcased a stunning tribute to the Victorian-era invention with a mix of passionate enthusiasts and even beginners all coming together to embrace the thrill of these iconic bicycles.

High-speed sprints were highlights and the above shows Chris Opie (UK) setting a Guinness World Record at 1 min 30.103 seconds, the fastest 1 km on a Penny Farthing (male). But as one rider commented:

“When you’re riding a penny farthing, you have to think 10 or 20 steps ahead compared to riding a modern bike or a horse, because there are no brakes, there are no gears, and you are seven feet up. One jerk can mean the bike flips and that’s you, hurtling through the air.”