Visions of Feminine modernity: Cycling, Self-Propulsion and power (1880-1939)

Women falling off bicycles or crashing into men, society women assembled neatly next to a bicycle (but rarely sat upon), women cycling along telegraph wires, socialising in gentile city-centre parks or cycling through space and time as celestial figures; visuals of cycling women are ambiguous and complex. In many ways, these visuals reflect enduring confusion with how to depict and respond to feminine speed, physical power and relationship to technology. During the 1890’s ‘cycling craze’ women’s cycling was viewed by many as damaging women’s health and femininity but by 1939 cycling was one way in which women could attain the ideal, modern female body – so what changed? The history and visual culture of women’s cycling during these critical decades (1880-1939) offers a useful lens through which we can assess and understand changing forms of feminine modernity.

Tamsin Johnson has a blended academic and professional experience working and researching within fashion and visual cultures. Tamsin holds a master’s degree in Culture, Style and Fashion from Nottingham Trent University where she returned in 2023 for doctoral study. Her AHRC-funded PhD Cycling Women and Visions of Modernity and Femininity in British Visual Culture (1880-1939) aims to recover lost visions of women’s cycling and utilises a range of national archives – both cycling and non-cycling specific. Recent research outputs include an article with The Conversation and features on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and ABC Australia’s Late Night Live. 

Thank you for registering for the Sport & Leisure History Seminar at the Institute of Historical Research in partnership with the British Society of Sports History. 
As this is a hybrid event, the seminar co-convenors will send a link to those who are joining the seminar via zoom on the event day. For in-person attendees, please ensure you are in the Pollard Room (N301) of the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) by 6pm. 


For any further queries, please get in touch with Seminar Co-Convenor Max Portman at: [email protected]

All welcome- this seminar is free to attend, but advance registration is required.