Rapha is marking its 20th anniversary with an immersive event at the Truman Brewery in London during the London Design Festival. Titled Rapha20: Past Forward, the event is a celebration of two decades of innovation, disruption, and the unique blend of performance and style that has defined the brand since its inception in 2004.
Taking place from September 14 to 22, 2024, Past Forward is more than just a retrospective, it’s an exploration of Rapha’s influence on cycling culture and its forward-thinking approach. The British brand launched its first exhibition, Kings of Pain, at the Truman Brewery in 2004, where it showcased its first official 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.
Since then, Rapha has continued to be the first of its kind, pushing the boundaries of “standard” cycling apparel, widening the sport and making it more inclusive through its products. Worn by Tour de France champions and kitting out both men’s and women’s professional cycling teams, today Rapha stands as a symbol of excellence in the cycling world and beyond.
Read more: Rapha - 20 years in the making
At the centrepiece of Past Forward is a kinetic installation titled Rapha in Motion by creative duo Isabel + Helen, inspired by Rapha’s first product. This large-scale sculpture is said to bring to life the movement of cycling, showcasing the brand's ongoing commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
Rapha has also enlisted top branding agency Made Thought to create an emotive and abstract journey through a selection of Rapha's archive and definitive moments for the brand. Completing the exhibition is a printed publication titled The Future of Cycling, which sets the stage for the next 20 years of cycling and explores what the future of cycling could hold, with contributions from Rapha's founder Simon Mottram and new CEO Fran Millar, EF pro cyclists Lachlan Morton and Alison Jackson, AMANI's Tsgabu Grmay and Transport for London's Will Norman.
Read more: Rapha ushers in a new era of women's cycling apparel
Throughout the exhibition being open, Rapha will also be hosting a number of events in Past Forward, including a party honouring how creativity and artistry with artist Gavin Renshaw and musician Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), a launch event for Rapha Edition's new book The Extra Mile, and a discussion panel with Peter Murray OBE, Borre Akkersdijk (ByBorre), Thami Schweichler (United Repair Centre), and Adam Gardiner (Rapha).
Beyond the Truman Brewery, there will be a pop-up shop with limited edition Rapha20 products, a mural on Hanbury Street, and a ride out around the city.
For tickets and more information, visit rapha.cc/pastfoward
