Summary

Alternative Name(s): Bicycle Cap, Bicycle Hat, Cyclist's Helmet

Red and navy leather bicycle helmet, lined in navy felt. Made circa 1930-1939. Found in large storeroom downstairs of the Simpson's Gloves factory in 1989.

Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd was established in Victoria St, Richmond, in 1924. It manuufactured leather gloves, coats, handbags, helmets and associated leather goods in response to market demands, largely for an up-market clientele. The company first operated in Smith Street, and subsequently Alexandra Parade, Collingwood, relocating to Victoria Street, Richmond in 1928, where it remained until it was sold in 1988. The large proportion of its employees were women.

Museum Victoria's Simpson's Glove Collection covers all aspects involved in the process of manufacturing, from design and cutting to the machine work and the sales and marketing of the finished products. The collection documents many industrial and social issues.

Physical Description

Red and navy leather bicycle helmet, lined in navy felt. Consists of five strips of navy leather, running front to back. Secured at front and back by reather leather tabs. Thin red leather strap across crown holds strips in place.

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