Museum Of London Object Of The Month May 2009
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Object of the month for May 2009
Douglas Vespa motorcycle 1957 As summer arrives, one of the best ways to navigate London’s bustling streets is on this icon of Italian design. Vespas became a popular form of transport and status symbol amongst fashion conscious post war London youths, heavily reflecting their interests in the pop culture of the time. Its instantly recognisable design has ensured it has kept its cool and is still regarded as a stylish status symbol today. This motorcycle belonged to Eric Montague, a keen member of the South London Vespa Club. Vespas were so popular that social clubs for owners sprang up throughout the city. Eric and his wife organised their social life around the rallies and weekend outings organised by the clubs. At an international Vespa event in Europe owners were asked to
arrive in clothing representing their country – those from Britain wore bowler hats and carried umbrellas! This Vespa is due to go on display in our Galleries of Modern London, opening in spring 2010. The spectacular new galleries will tell the story of the world’s greatest city and its people from 1666 to the present day. The motorcycle will take centre stage in telling the story of how swinging London centred around the Kings Road and Carnaby Street at a time when skirts got shorter and music got louder. The Vespa also features in a new commission by award-winning artist Tom Hunter in celebration of the new galleries. The portraits will be on show at the Museum from 13 May. Find out more: http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/AboutUs/Development/WhatsHappenMoL.ht m
Douglas Vespa motorcycle 1957 As summer arrives, one of the best ways to navigate London’s bustling streets is on this icon of Italian design. Vespas became a popular form of transport and status symbol amongst fashion conscious post war London youths, heavily reflecting their interests in the pop culture of the time. Its instantly recognisable design has ensured it has kept its cool and is still regarded as a stylish status symbol today. This motorcycle belonged to Eric Montague, a keen member of the South London Vespa Club. Vespas were so popular that social clubs for owners sprang up throughout the city. Eric and his wife organised their social life around the rallies and weekend outings organised by the clubs. At an international Vespa event in Europe owners were asked to
arrive in clothing representing their country – those from Britain wore bowler hats and carried umbrellas! This Vespa is due to go on display in our Galleries of Modern London, opening in spring 2010. The spectacular new galleries will tell the story of the world’s greatest city and its people from 1666 to the present day. The motorcycle will take centre stage in telling the story of how swinging London centred around the Kings Road and Carnaby Street at a time when skirts got shorter and music got louder. The Vespa also features in a new commission by award-winning artist Tom Hunter in celebration of the new galleries. The portraits will be on show at the Museum from 13 May. Find out more: http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/AboutUs/Development/WhatsHappenMoL.ht m
