Adopt an Artefact – the postie’s five-wheeled bike

We continue looking at our Adopt an Artefact scheme, run by the Friends of Horsham Museum & Art Gallery.

There are a dozen items to choose from, so how about adopting one or more as unusual Christmas presents?

The money raised helps fund important projects at the museum, such as the conservation of our collection and the purchase of important objects.

All the details can be found on our Adopt an Object web page.

This time we look at the remarkable pentacycle, an invention by Horsham architect Edward Burstow in 1882.

The large central wheel surrounded by four smaller ones led to it being nicknamed the ‘Hen and Chickens’ bicycle as it looked like a mother hen surrounded by her chicks!

An adapted design was presented to the postal service to help postmen overcome bumpy roads while carrying parcels.

However, after some trials, it was decided that the pentacycle was not suitable for the postal service’s needs. It was recognised by the Post Office in 2022, though, as one of the Mail by Bike Post & Go stamps.

The pentacycle now sits in pride of place in the Blazing Saddles Gallery.