Summary

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

Dark brown leather helmet of stips of padded leather, for use by cyclist. Probably made circa 1930-1939. Found in box in large downstairs storeroom at 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

Man's dark brown leather bicycle safety helmet, unlined. Consists of five bands of padded leather, running front to back, gathered together at either end.

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