Extended through March 8, 2009!
For
nearly a century, the motorcycle has been an icon for innovation in
design and engineering. More than any other form of transportation,
it has come to symbolize the concept of freedom, and this freedom has
been an engine of creativity in design.The sheer beauty of the best-designed
motorcycles reminds us that motorcycle design is as much about the human
spirit as speed and performance. It is about the edge of wildness that
lurks within and that can break out with a motorcycle designed to liberate
our wilder side.
This
exhibition examines the art and design of the motorcycle through the
lens of classic and contemporary cycles. Forty-five motorcycles are
exhibited including two of the most famous of all time: the Captain
America chopper and Billy Bike featured in the 1969 film, Easy Rider.
They headline a section of the exhibition featuring early choppers of
the 1960s and ‘70s.
The
latest generation of choppers is represented by cycles designed by some
of the most creative contemporary designers in the United States. These
cycles includes the iconic, two engine Two Bad 2 designed by the legendary
California designer, Arlen Ness.
Part
of the exhibition is devoted to classic, historic motorcycles of the
first half of the 20th century. Among the highlights is a selection
of Indian motorcycles celebrated for their design sophistication and
include the 1948 Indian Chief featured in the groundbreaking 1998 Solomon
R. Guggenheim Museum exhibition, Art of the Motorcycle. In addition,
Reading’s own motorcycle company, the Reading Standard, is featured
and includes a rare 1905 model, one of the earliest motorcycles ever
manufactured.
The
exhibition explores international motorcycle design, featuring British
and Italian motorcycles. Contemporary Italian MV Augustas and classic
British motorcycles, including a 1954 Vincent Black Shadow and 1957
BSA Gold Star, are exhibited in pristine condition. Harley-Davidson
motorcycles also play a prominent role in the show and include historic
police motorcycles and a classic 1958 calypso red and white DuoGlide
with side car.
This exhibition is sponsored by Penske Truck Leasing, Yuasa Battery, Inc. and Friends of the Reading Museum.
To download a PDF of the most recent press release, click here.