Rapha has always been more than a cycling brand. Over the past two decades, it has redefined the way cycling is perceived and experienced by seamlessly blending sport, design, and culture. This September, as part of the London Design Festival, Rapha returns to its origins at the Truman Brewery in East London for Past Forward, a bold anniversary exhibition running from September 14–22. The event reflects on Rapha’s remarkable legacy while exploring the transformative potential of cycling for cities, communities, and sustainable futures.
The Truman Brewery holds special significance for Rapha—it was where the brand launched in 2004 with the Kings of Pain exhibition, alongside the debut of its first product, the Sportwool Jersey. Combining minimalist design with performance craftsmanship, the jersey set a new standard in cycling apparel, propelling Rapha beyond the sport’s niche into the broader realms of culture and design. Over the years, this fusion of functionality and aesthetics has established Rapha as a global cultural icon, admired for continually pushing the boundaries of cycling apparel and its role in the wider world.
At the heart of Past Forward is Rapha in Motion, a kinetic installation created by Isabel + Helen, a design duo previously recognized as ‘Ones to Watch.’ This dynamic piece captures the essence of cycling’s motion while paying homage to the craftsmanship of the Sportwool Jersey. Set within an immersive environment designed by branding agency Made Thought, the installation is surrounded by archival imagery and products, inviting visitors to explore Rapha’s creative journey.
The exhibition doesn’t just celebrate Rapha’s past; it also highlights the creative talent that has always been central to its identity. On the evening of September 17, Artistry In Tandem will take center stage with a unique live art and music performance curated by A Vibe Called Tech. Blankspace graphic artist Gavin Renshaw and Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor, both passionate cyclists, will collaborate to create a multisensory experience. As Renshaw crafts live art, Taylor will perform a DJ set, blending cycling, music, and visual artistry in a one-of-a-kind celebration of Rapha’s creativity.
Looking beyond the present, Past Forward envisions the future of cycling. The Past Forward Manifesto, developed by Rapha founder Simon Mottram and London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman, explores how cycling can play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable urban environments. As cities increasingly embrace cycling in urban planning and environmental strategies, the manifesto challenges us to rethink mobility and envision a future where cycling is a cornerstone of sustainable living.
Rapha’s commitment to innovation extends to its collaboration with ByBorre, a leading textile design studio known for sustainable fabric development. On September 19, ByBorre founder Borre Akkersdijk will join a panel discussion to explore how cutting-edge materials can revolutionize both cycling apparel and the fashion industry. This partnership reinforces Rapha’s dedication to sustainability and its forward-thinking approach to design.
As a lasting tribute to its roots in East London, Rapha has unveiled a permanent mural on Hanbury Street, created by Global Street Art. Based on a photograph by Ben Ingham, the mural will remain as a visual testament to Rapha’s enduring influence in the area, even after the exhibition concludes.
With rides, talks, and events running alongside the exhibition, Past Forward is more than a retrospective. It’s a bold statement of intent for the next 20 years, reaffirming Rapha’s ability to disrupt the status quo and reimagine what’s possible for cycling and its role in shaping a better world. Whether celebrating its past achievements or envisioning its future impact, Rapha once again proves why it remains at the forefront of cycling, design, and cultural innovation.
