Benjamin G. Bowden (American, born England 1907–1998). <em>Spacelander Bicycle</em>, Prototype designed 1946; Manufactured 1960. Fiberglass, metal, glass, rubber, fox fur, 44 x 77 x 32 in. (111.8 x 195.6 x 81.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Marie Bernice Bitzer Fund, 2001.36. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2001.36_SL1.jpg)

Benjamin G. Bowden (American, born England 1907–1998). Spacelander Bicycle, Prototype designed 1946; Manufactured 1960. Fiberglass, metal, glass, rubber, fox fur, 44 x 77 x 32 in. (111.8 x 195.6 x 81.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Marie Bernice Bitzer Fund, 2001.36. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2001.36_SL1.jpg)

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Is this influenced by Surrealism?

A bit! This design style is called Biomorphic. Its curving lines and amoeba-like voids evolved from the streamlined style popular in the Pre War period into a new expression based on organic, rather than machine-made, forms. The use of organic shapes by artists and designers began in the 1930s and continued through the 1950s.

Both of these styles were influenced by the kind of abstraction popularized by Surrealism.

What is the fur for?

It’s for decoration! It was actually added by the Museum after the bicycle was acquired, inspired by a common practice in the 1950s where kids would put animal tails on their handlebars. Generally, these were raccoon tails inspired by Davy Crocket.

We were wondering how this bicycle design stores downhill energy and uses it when going uphill.

In the body of bicycle, there is a electric hub dynamo that stores the rotational energy from the wheels and re-utilizes it to reduce the amount of pedaling required.

Spacelander Bicycle

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

The Spacelander is a marvel of postwar biomorphic design. Its curving lines and amoeba-like voids represent the mutation of the prewar streamlined style into a new expression based on organic, rather than machine-made, forms. Although the prototype—made for a 1946 exhibition of British industrial design—was a critical success, Benjamin Bowden failed in his attempts to have it manufactured. By the time it finally went into production in the United States in 1960, tastes had changed and the price of the bicycle—$89.50—was too high. It is believed that only about five hundred examples were ever sold, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after industrial designs of the mid-twentieth century. When new, this bicycle was bright red; the color has faded over time.

DESIGNER Benjamin G. Bowden, American, born England 1907–1998

MANUFACTURER Bombard Industries

MEDIUM Fiberglass, metal, glass, rubber, fox fur

Place Manufactured: Grand Haven, Michigan, United States

DATES Prototype designed 1946; Manufactured 1960

DIMENSIONS 44 x 77 x 32 in. (111.8 x 195.6 x 81.3 cm) (show scale)

MARKINGS On shaped metal tag on frame beneath handlebars: "BOW / DEN". On metal tag behind seat: "BOMARD INDUSTRIES, INC. / KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI / U.S.PAT.NO. 2,537,325 / Canadian Pat. No. 1951 / SERIAL NO. [engraved] B009905"

COLLECTIONS Decorative Arts and Design

ACCESSION NUMBER 2001.36

CREDIT LINE Marie Bernice Bitzer Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Two wheeled, single-speed "Spacelander" bicycle; streamlined reddish-pink molded fiberglass shell with metal frame. Fiberglass constructed in multiple pieces: two over front wheel, two over remainder of frame with openings for handlebars, seat, pedals and rear wheel. Molded cover has pairs of front and rear cone-shaped head and tail lights. Irregular, organic-shaped openings expose front and rear wheels and area beneath the seat. Trimmed with chromed metal or stainless steel over the seams of fiberglass shell. White plastic handle grips, black and white seat and whitewall tires. (Seat and pedals probably not original.)

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

CAPTION Benjamin G. Bowden (American, born England 1907–1998). Spacelander Bicycle, Prototype designed 1946; Manufactured 1960. Fiberglass, metal, glass, rubber, fox fur, 44 x 77 x 32 in. (111.8 x 195.6 x 81.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Marie Bernice Bitzer Fund, 2001.36. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2001.36_SL1.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 2001.36_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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