Man Powered Collection

Rickshaw in India 1920S
Four men are required to propel this European lady in her rickshaw - but then Simla (India) is a very hilly town. Date: 1920s

King George V (1865-1936) with Queen Mary in a bath chair (made 40 years previously for Queen Victoria) enjoying the Spring sunshine at Craigwell House, Bognor Regis, West Sussex. Date: 1929

The Chrysalis human powered biplane aircraft which was built at M. I. T
The Chrysalis human powered biplane aircraft which was built at M.I.T. by students, Robert Parks, Harold Youngren, John Langford, Hyong Bang and Mark Drela under the direction of Prof

Gerhardt Cycleplane
Men Inspecting Crashed Gerhardt Cycleplane with Hangars Behind Date: 1920s

A boat being unloaded by means of a crane
5310275 A boat being unloaded by means of a crane; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a boat being unloaded by means of a crane powered by a man in a treadwheel)

Ranks of Rickshaws - Entrance to the Harbour Pier, Yokohama
Ranks of Rickshaws lined up at the Entrance to the Harbour Pier, Yokohama, Japan. Date: circa 1910s

A Smart European Missionary Woman transported in a Doolie, a simple stretcher on poles for carrying a passenger - Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Date: circa 1903

Chinese Rickshaw Boy taking a rest - Hong Kong. Date: circa 1930s

Johannesburg, South Africa - Rickshaws in Market Square. Date: circa 1901

Rickshaws and Drivers, Sri Lanka. Date: circa 1900s

Grand Elderly Lady wrapped up warm in her bath chair outside the front door of her fine home. Date: circa 1910s

Gentleman in a rickshaw - Shanghai, China
A Chinese Gentleman in a rickshaw - Shanghai, China. Date: 1927

Japanese Rickshaw Drivers, Kobe, Japan. Date: 1928

Zulu Ricksha Drivers, Durban, c. 1897 (b / w photo)
493424 Zulu Ricksha Drivers, Durban, c.1897 (b/w photo) by South African Photographer

Chinese Wheelbarrow, c. 1870-90 (b / w photo)
498556 Chinese Wheelbarrow, c.1870-90 (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; out of copyright

Japanese Litter, c. 1890 (b / w photo)
498546 Japanese Litter, c.1890 (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; out of copyright

Jacob Degens 1808 ornithopter with flap valves, in which the pilot stood on a rigid
2619143 Jacob Degens 1808 ornithopter with flap valves, in which the pilot stood on a rigid frame and worked the wings with a movable horizontal bar, from Les Merveilles de la Science

The Gossamer Albatross human-powered aircraft built by American aeronautical engineer Dr Paul B MacCready (right)

A lone British inventor thought he d stolen the march on the rocket-age designers of Russia and America with what he thought would be the worlds first man-powered aircraft the Ornithopter

Deep in the heart of Northumberland the Whisky Bottle MK.1 emerged on an unsuspecting world

Handglider prior to launch - Inkpen Beacon, Berkshire. Date: circa 1980s

Men Standing with Bi-Cycle Aircraft with Adverts in Fren?
Men Standing with Bi-Cycle Aircraft with Adverts in French Langauge Behind Date: 1910s

Men Standing and Pilot Sitting in the Cockpit of an Airc?
Men Standing and Pilot Sitting in the Cockpit of an Aircraft Parked with Adverts in French Language Behind Date: 1913

Pilot Sitting on Bi-Cycle Aircraft with Adverts in the ?
Pilot Sitting on Bi-Cycle Aircraft with Adverts in the French Language Behind Date: 1910s

Various pumps for raising water, 1816. Including a triple pump (top right) and a man-powered balance pump (bottom right). From Encyclopaedia Londinensis. (London, 1816)

Various pumps for raising water. Triple pump, top right. Man-powered balance pump (bottom). From Encyclopaedia Londinensis, (London, 1816). Engraving

Pulain Manpowered 1921
At Longchamps, Paris, cyclist Pulain attempts to win the Prix Peugeot for a successful man-powered flight

Manpowered Project 1922
A grinning cyclist tries to get his glider airborne at the Parc des Princes stadium, Paris - but his wing is woefully inadequate to carry so much weight

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"Man Powered: A Journey Through Time and Cultures" Step back in time to the 1920s in India, where the bustling streets of Delhi were adorned with vibrant rickshaws. Witness the ranks of these iconic vehicles lining up at the entrance to the Harbour Pier in Yokohama, Japan, showcasing their significance as a mode of transportation. Even European missionaries embraced this unique form of travel, as we see a smart missionary woman gracefully transported in a doolie. The fusion of cultures is evident as we move on to Hong Kong, where a Chinese rickshaw boy takes a well-deserved rest amidst his busy day. Johannesburg's Market Square comes alive with an array of colorful rickshaws, reflecting South Africa's diverse heritage. Sri Lanka too embraces this man-powered tradition with its own fleet of rickshaws and dedicated drivers. Intriguingly, not only humans but also elderly individuals found comfort in man-powered transport. Picture a grand elderly lady wrapped up warmly in her bath chair, enjoying the gentle ride through picturesque landscapes. Shanghai unveils yet another facet of this captivating world as we spot a gentleman leisurely seated inside his luxurious rickshaw. The elegance and charm exuded by these vehicles are truly timeless. Returning to South Africa once again, Durban showcases its vibrant spirit through energetic Rickshaw boys who tirelessly navigate their way through bustling streets - their determination inspiring all who witness it. But man-power doesn't limit itself to just land-based transportation; innovation knows no bounds. Gerhardt Cycleplane takes flight with human power alone while Chrysalis amazes us with its human-powered biplane aircraft built at M. I. T. , reminding us that our potential for exploration is limitless when powered by sheer will and determination. Join us on this captivating journey through time and cultures as we celebrate "Man Powered, " honoring those who have relied on their strength and resilience throughout history.