Rapha20: Past Forward

Rapha launched in 2004 with the 'Kings of Pain' exhibition at the Truman Brewery. It set the scene for Rapha's first product – the Sportwool Jersey – an understated monochrome cycling jersey meticulously crafted and made with a merino wool and polyester blend fabric, the first of its kind. With rider-specific features and obsessive attention to detail, it embodied the brand’s pure aesthetic and artful functionality. Using contemporary methods and processes, but taking aesthetic inspiration from mid-century road cycling, futurism, fashion and modernist typography, whilst being drenched in the romance of the sport – Rapha’s avant-garde innovations disrupted the status quo, changing the cycling industry forever. Since then this rebellious approach has seen Rapha worn by Tour de France winners and receive accolades from around the world. Today, the brand has transcended the cycling industry to become a global movement. This September, Rapha will return to the East End to open Past Forward. As well as celebrating the last two decades, this immersive show will cast an eye into the future, and explore how cycling will continue to change lives, transform cities and be a radical force for social and environmental progress. Continuing Rapha’s long history of working with highly-respected talent in the creative industries, Rapha has partnered with branding agency Made Thought, artists Isabel+Helen and creative agency A Vibe Called Tech to bring the unique world of cycling to life in a disruptive and unconventional way. The Past Forward experience will include a journey through Rapha’s most iconic moments, products and stories, including a kinetic art installation by Isabel+Helen celebrating Rapha’s latest evolution of the Merino Jersey and the innovation and craftsmanship that Rapha products are known for. The exhibition will also be where you can read Rapha’s Future of Cycling Manifesto, a projection on how living life by bike will blossom over the coming years. Developed with changemakers and pioneers in the sport, it shares radically optimistic visions of how the culture of cycling, fuelled by urban mobility, e-bikes and cultural shifts, could be the key to human progress. There will also be a full programme of events, from parties to panel discussions. Visit rapha.cc/pastforward to register your interest and learn more.