Not currently on display at the V&A

Ace

Bicycle
ca. 1952 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This black 'Ace' bicycle was made by Charles Twigg & Co. in Birmingham, ca. 1952. Charles Twigg & Co. was a manufacturer of 'Burflam' pressure lamps, stoves, prams, tricycles, and bicycles during the 1940s and 1950s. In 1947 the company exhibited some of their bicycles at the British Industries Fair held at Olympia and Earls Court in London. The company produced over 40 different models of children's cycles, all made from British steel tubing. An advertisement included in the fair catalogue shows three types of 'Ace' bicycle including the deluxe tricycle, cyclette, and the deluxe juvenile cycle for girls aged 7 to 10 years.


Object details

Category
Object type
Titles
  • Ace (manufacturer's title)
  • Deluxe juvenile cycle (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Painted steel tubing
Brief description
Bicycle, child's, Black "Ace", made by Charles Twigg & Co. in Birmingham, ca. 1952.
Physical description
Black framed bicycle with silver handles, black sprung Dunlop saddle, rubber tyres and stand. On the front of the bicycle is a small metal 'A' logo set inside a square.
Dimensions
  • Height: 72cm
  • Length: 126.5cm
  • Width: 44.8cm
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Margaret Vowles
Object history
Historical significance: In 1957 Charles Twigg & Co. became involved in a legal dispute with the Costa Rican company Carlos Federspiel & Co. who had purchased 82 bicycles from them. While the bicycles were waiting to be sent, Charles Twigg & Co. closed down and a dispute emerged over who had the right to keep the objects. The landmark case was resolved in Twigg & Co.'s favour and the case is now often mentioned in documents under the Sale of Goods Act.
Summary
This black 'Ace' bicycle was made by Charles Twigg & Co. in Birmingham, ca. 1952. Charles Twigg & Co. was a manufacturer of 'Burflam' pressure lamps, stoves, prams, tricycles, and bicycles during the 1940s and 1950s. In 1947 the company exhibited some of their bicycles at the British Industries Fair held at Olympia and Earls Court in London. The company produced over 40 different models of children's cycles, all made from British steel tubing. An advertisement included in the fair catalogue shows three types of 'Ace' bicycle including the deluxe tricycle, cyclette, and the deluxe juvenile cycle for girls aged 7 to 10 years.
Collection
Accession number
B.241-2010

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Record createdNovember 19, 2010
Record URL
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