Velocipedes | Rare 1968 Cycling Design

Launched in the spring of 1968, Velocipedes is a quirky, high-energy tribute to the early days of human-powered transport. Susan Williams-Ellis collated various 19th-century illustrations of monocyles, bicycles, and tricycles—including sources like the famous Strand Magazine—and redrew them with her characteristic "jaunty" flair.

The Graphic "Pop" of 1968

While the illustrations themselves were historical, the presentation was purely "Mod." Susan took these intricate black transfers and applied them to a variety of striking backgrounds:

• The "Jazzy" Glazes: The most desirable pieces feature the illustrations printed on saturated, bright glazes of acid yellow, vivid blue, and vibrant orange.

• The Monochrome Classic: For those seeking a cleaner look, the range was also produced as crisp black transfers on pure white ware, allowing the fine detail of the Victorian engineering to stand out.

A Range for the "Gents"

Because of its mechanical and sporting themes, Velocipedes was often marketed toward the giftware and "den" market:

• Key Shapes: It was most commonly found on Imperial tankards, coffee cans, and large breakfast cups.

• Decorative Value: The diverse range of cycle types—from the "boneshaker" to the penny-farthing—meant that collectors could build a set where every item showed a different stage of cycling evolution.

Collector’s Insight: The "Strand" Connection

In 2026, the orange and yellow glaze versions are the "trophy" pieces for collectors of 1960's British design.

• Historical Accuracy: Part of the charm of this range is its technical precision. Because Susan redrew them from sources like The Strand, the detail in the spokes and pedals is remarkably accurate to the 19th-century originals.

• Rarity: While not as scarce as Tivoli, finding the coloured glazes in mint condition is becoming increasingly difficult as the high-contrast pigments were prone to showing scratches over decades of use.