20 years of innovation: Rapha’s groundbreaking exhibition shakes up Shoreditch

Rapha has always been more than just a cycling brand. A favourite of ours for their blurring of sport, design, and culture, Rapha has kept us on our toes when it comes to how cycling is perceived and experienced. This September, Rapha returns to its roots at the Truman Brewery for Past Forward: a bold anniversary exhibition running during the London Design Festival from 14–22 September. The show not only looks back on the brand’s legacy but also explores cycling’s potential to shape cities, communities, and sustainable futures.

The Truman Brewery was where it all began for Rapha back in 2004, with the Kings of Pain exhibition. Alongside their first product, the Sportwool Jersey, Rapha set a new standard in cycling apparel, combining minimalist design with performance-driven craftsmanship. Over the years, we’ve admired how this unique fusion of functionality and aesthetics has seen Rapha break free from the cycling niche, evolving into a global cultural force.

Past Forward continues this legacy of innovation. At its heart is Rapha in Motion, a kinetic installation by Isabel + Helen (who we first coined as ‘Ones to Watch’ in 2016), which brings the movement of cycling to life while paying homage to the craftsmanship of the original Sportwool Jersey. The installation sits within an ethereal environment of archive imagery and product, designed and developed by branding agency Made Thought, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Rapha’s journey of creativity and progress.

But, no celebration of Rapha’s artistry would be complete without honouring the creative talent that has always been part of its DNA. On the evening of 17 September, Artistry In Tandem will take centre stage, blending live art and music in a spectacular event curated by A Vibe Called Tech. Set within the Past Forward space, the party will see Blankspace graphic artist Gavin Renshaw and Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor—both avid cyclists—team up for a performance unlike any other. Renshaw will craft live art while Taylor spins a DJ set, creating an electrifying experience that celebrates Rapha’s 20-year journey. This one-of-a-kind event, part of the Shoreditch Design Triangle’s Late-Night programme, promises to be a vibrant testament to Rapha’s enduring connection with creativity and culture.

Most excitingly, the exhibition also looks to the future. The Past Forward Manifesto, spearheaded by Rapha founder Simon Mottram and Will Norman (London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner), provides a thought-provoking exploration of how cycling can continue to shape our cities and lives. As cycling becomes more embedded in urban planning and environmental strategies, Rapha’s manifesto calls for a rethinking of how we move through our environments, with cycling as a transformative force for good.

Building on this, Rapha has partnered with ByBorre, a pioneering textile design studio known for sustainable innovation in fabric development. ByBorre’s founder, Borre Akkersdijk, will discuss how future-focused materials can revolutionise both the cycling industry and fashion, continuing Rapha’s commitment to sustainable design in a panel talk on Thursday 19 September.

And as a lasting testament to Rapha’s connection to the East End, the brand has unveiled a permanent mural on Hanbury Street. Based on a photo by photographer Ben Ingham and painted by Global Street Art, the mural will serve as a visual symbol of Rapha’s influence in the area, long after Past Forward has closed.

Past Forward is a celebration of the past two decades, but it’s equally a statement of intent for the next. With talks, rides, and parties running alongside the exhibition, Rapha once again demonstrates its ability to disrupt the status quo and reimagine what’s possible for cycling and for the world around us.