Museum of Science and Industry

Manchester’s very own globe-trotting cyclist, Ernie Buck, has launched an appeal at MOSI to send in photographs of cyclists with their bikes.

Ernie, who is based in Moston, Manchester, cycled from Hook of Holland, through Europe, Central and South East Asia, through to Canada and back to Liverpool in 17 months, and photographs of his round-the-world adventure will feature in the Museum’s new display about Manchester people and their bicycles. As part of the bike display the Museum wants to create a noticeboard of photographs of Manchester people with their bikes, including any interesting stories about adventures on their bikes, and why that bike is important. MOSI would also like to hear from anyone who has a Manchester-made bike and might be interested in loaning any rare bikes as part of the exhibition.

Ernie, who is a freelance cycle instructor in Manchester said: “I’ve had some great adventures on my bike, and you’ll be able to see some of my photos from the round the world trip in the Museum’s display.  Manchester has a fantastic cycling scene, with more and more people choosing to get on their bikes. The city is renowned for its bicycles and many famous cyclists have trained in Manchester. If you’re one of Manchester’s many cyclists please do send in your photos of you and your bike - whether it’s on a typical Manchester commute or an exciting excursion - to be part of the display.”

Nick Forder, transport curator at MOSI said: "I am very lucky to look after MOSI's fine collection of cycles that represent many of the important local makers. Unfortunately we know so little about who owned these cycles from new and how they used them. I am hoping that cyclists will take this opportunity to use the museum to show everyone what cycling means to them." 

The Museum has a collection of 15 bicycles and one tricycle:

Please send in your bicycle photos and stories, or further information about your Manchester-made bike to: Kathrin Schindler on k.schindler@mosi.org.uk or MOSI, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4FP.

For media information or photos please contact Sarah Roe Tel: 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647 or look up http://www.thebuckstop.net/

Notes to editor

The Museum’s bicycle collection includes:

·        1869 Boneshaker, made by Andrew Muir, Victoria Bridge Works, Salford

·        1885 High Ordinary (Penny Farthing), made by William Harrison, 128 Portland Street, Manchester

·        c1896 ‘Lu-Min-Um’ bicycle, made in France and retailed by Lu-min-um Manufacturing Company Limited, 2 Victoria Buildings, St Mary’s Gate, Manchester

·        1914 ‘Thrasher’ Touring bicycle, made by Rylands & Sons Ltd, Manchester

·        1915 CWS retailed bicycle

·        1928 Tandem bicycle, made by Jack Sibbit, 177 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester

·        1934 Competition Track bicycle, made by Berry & Bentley, 4/5/6 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, Manchester

·        1935 Touring bicycle frame & components, Berry & Bentley, 4/5/6 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, Manchester (awaiting restoration)

·        c1935 ‘Glider’ Tandem bicycle, Stenton, Ardwick, Manchester (sold via Fairfield Street, possibly made at 8 Slade Lane) (awaiting restoration)

·        c1935 Touring bicycle, made by Jack Sibbit, 177 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester (awaiting restoration)

·        1938 Touring bicycle, made by Jack Sibbit, 177 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester

·        c1965 Child’s bicycle, made by Tri-ang

·        1973 Touring bicycle, made by Johnny Berry, Manchester

·        1983 Touring bicycle, made by Frank Herety, 180 Higher Hillgate, Stockport

·        1994 Town hybrid bicycle, made by Malc Cowle/ Bicycle Doctor, Withington

·        1998 Windcheetah recumbant tricyle, made by Seat-of-the-Pants, Sale

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