James Starly Bust - Starley Penny Farthing Bust Statue - Inventor- Home Office Decor Desk Accessories Office Sculpture

✨ 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐲 | 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 – "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫" ✨

"The only way to go faster was to make the driving wheel larger." 🚲⚙️ This distinguished bust captures James Starley (1830–1881) – the legendary English inventor and engineer whose innovations revolutionised the bicycle industry and paved the way for modern cycling . His invention of the tangentially spoked wheel and his iconic "ordinary" bicycle – better known as the penny farthing – transformed personal transport in the 19th century . A symbol of ingenuity, engineering excellence, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Perfect for home offices, studies, engineering collections, and lovers of cycling history.

✅ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 :

1x James Starley Penny Farthing Bust ✅
Ready to display – no assembly required ✅

✅ 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 📏:
Choose the perfect scale for your space:

Size Height
Extra Small 12 cm / 4.7 inches
Small 17 cm / 6.7 inches
Medium 20 cm / 7.9 inches
Large 22 cm / 8.6 inches
Extra Large 25 cm / 9.8 inches
XL 30 cm / 11.8 inches

𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 – 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬! 😊

✅ "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫" 🚲:
James Starley was born on 21 April 1830 in Albourne, Sussex, England . He began his career in the sewing machine industry, moving to Coventry in the 1860s where he helped establish the Coventry Sewing Machine Company . In 1868, his nephew Rowley B. Turner brought a French velocipede from Paris to Coventry, sparking Starley's fascination with the bicycle . He set about developing a new form of the bicycle alongside William Hillman, which they called "The Ordinary" – later nicknamed the penny farthing due to the contrasting sizes of its wheels, reminiscent of the British penny and farthing coins . His 1871 Ariel bicycle is considered the first true bicycle and the immediate precursor of the high-wheel ordinary, setting the standard for bicycle design for the next decade . He also invented the tangentially spoked wheel in 1874, a design so revolutionary it is still in use on bicycles and motorcycles today . Starley is widely regarded as the "Father of the Cycle Industry" . He passed away on 17 June 1881, but his legacy endures in Coventry, where a statue stands in his honour .

Key Innovations:

The Ariel Bicycle (1871) – Considered the first true bicycle by many historians

The Tangentially Spoked Wheel (1874) – A revolutionary wheel design still used today

The "Ordinary" or Penny Farthing – The iconic high-wheeler that defined an era of cycling

The Coventry Tricycle (1876) – Featuring chain drive and the differential gear

The Differential Gear – A key invention later incorporated into the back axle of every car

Centre Pivot Steering – An innovation that improved bicycle handling

✅ "𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝" 🌍:
James Starley's journey was one of remarkable ingenuity and determination. Born into a farming family, he ran away from home as a teenager and worked as an under-gardener in south London, mending watches and creating devices in his spare time . His talent for mechanics was recognised when he mended a rare sewing machine, leading to employment in the sewing machine industry and eventually to Coventry, where he would make his mark on history . His interest in bicycle improvement began in 1868, and within three years he had produced the Ariel, a machine with wire-spoked wheels that was lighter and faster than anything that had come before . The penny farthing became a sensation, especially among young athletic men who sought speed and excitement. With a single turn of the pedals producing one revolution of the front wheel, the only way to go faster was to make the driving wheel larger – leading to wheels that could be over 1.5 metres high . Riding was dangerous; any loose stones or changes in gradient could result in a "header" – falling headfirst off the bike . Yet the thrill of riding at speeds of 15-25 kilometres per hour, comparable to a trotting horse, made it irresistible . Starley's nephew, John Kemp Starley, later designed the Rover safety bicycle in 1885, the prototype of all modern bicycles .

✅ "𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧" ✨:
James Starley's influence on transport and engineering is immeasurable:

He created the first true bicycle – The Ariel set the standard for bicycle design for a decade

He invented the tangent-spoked wheel – A design so strong it is still used today

He pioneered chain drive and differential gearing – Innovations that shaped the automotive industry

He founded the Coventry cycle industry – Coventry became the centre of British bicycle manufacturing

He inspired his nephew – John Kemp Starley went on to create the modern safety bicycle

His legacy is celebrated – A statue stands in Greyfriars Green, Coventry, in his honour

✅ "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝" 🏛️:
This bust captures James Starley in his most recognisable form, inspired by the monument and bust that commemorate his life:

The Distinguished Victorian Features – A face that embodies the spirit of the Industrial Revolution

The Gentle, Observant Gaze – Reflecting the mind of an inventor who saw what others missed

The Engineered Presence – A tribute to a man who built the foundations of modern cycling

The Classic Silhouette – Capturing the essence of the Father of the Cycle Industry

✅ "𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬" 📖:

He started his career making sewing machines – He was a managing foreman at the Coventry Sewing Machine Company

His Ariel bicycle was all-metal with wire-spoked wheels – A major weight reduction over wooden-spoked machines

He invented the differential gear – He came up with the idea over a cup of tea and patented it in 1877

His Giant Penny Farthing had a 78-inch front wheel – It was built to demonstrate the strength of his tangent spokes

He never patented the tangent spoke – He used a "registered design" instead

His nephew invented the modern bicycle – John Kemp Starley's Rover safety bicycle of 1885 featured equal-sized wheels and chain drive

He has a statue in Coventry – Located in Greyfriars Green, with a bust of Starley and a penny farthing

✅ "𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬" 💬:

"The only way to go faster was to make the driving wheel larger." – James Starley (attributed)

"Each rider of the sociable drove his own big wheel independently, so the course of the machine along the road was rather variable. One day Starley cried 'I have it!' and dismounted." – On his invention of the differential gear

✅ "𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬" 🏠:
This sculpture brings engineering history to:

Home offices and personal studies – A daily reminder of the power of innovation

Engineering and cycling collections – Among your historical treasures

Home libraries and bookshelves – Alongside transport and engineering books

Office desks and creative spaces – The spirit of invention

Birthday gifts – For the cyclist, engineer, or history lover in your life

✅ "𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝟑𝐃 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲" 🛠️:
Meticulously crafted using precision 3D printing technology and finished by hand. Every detail – from the distinguished Victorian features to the observant gaze – is rendered with care, capturing the inventor who set the world on two wheels.

✅ "𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐋𝐀 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥" 🌿:
Crafted from high-quality PLA – a plant-based plastic derived from corn starch. It is not only recyclable but also biodegradable, offering an environmentally conscious choice for collectors.

✅ "𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞" 🎨:
Standard finishes available – classic marble-effect, bronze, stone, terracotta, or Coventry blue. We also welcome custom colour requests. Contact us to discuss bringing this pioneering inventor to life in your preferred palette!

⚠️ "𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 :" Please note that the colour may appear slightly different on your screen or in person due to variations in monitor settings and lighting conditions.

📏 "𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:"
• 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥: High-Quality 3D-Printed PLA+
• 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭: James Starley (1830–1881)
• 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬: Inventor, Engineer, Father of the Cycle Industry
• 𝐄𝐫𝐚: 19th Century / Industrial Revolution
• 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Penny Farthing, Tangent-spoked wheel, Ariel bicycle, Differential gear
• 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: Distinguished Victorian features, observant gaze, inventor's presence
• 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡: Various colours available (select at checkout or message for custom)
• 𝐔𝐬𝐞: Decorative sculpture / Engineering collectible / Office desk decor

🎁 "𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫:"

Cycling and bicycle history enthusiasts

Engineers and inventors

Home office and study decor

Transport and industrial history collections

Unique, thoughtful gifts for cyclists

Birthday gifts for engineering lovers

Anyone who believes in the power of innovation

⚠️ "𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:"
• This item is 3D printed, so minor layer lines or subtle imperfections may be visible – this is part of the charm of a handmade, non-molded piece.
• Intended for indoor display. Handle with care to preserve delicate details.
• Custom Orders: If you would like this bust in other sizes or colours, please do not hesitate to contact us. We're happy to accommodate your vision!

✨ "𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝟑𝐃"
This engineering tribute is brought to life in our UK workshop, where we fuse a passion for industrial history, cycling heritage, and sculptural tradition with precision 3D printing. Every piece celebrates the pioneers who have inspired us – and whose innovations continue to shape the way we move. 🇬🇧

🛠️ "𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞-𝐭𝐨-𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞"
Each James Starley bust is printed fresh for your order, ensuring top quality and reducing waste. Your unique engineering piece is prepared with dedicated attention within 1–2 business days.

📦 "𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭"

𝐔𝐊 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬: Please allow 2-3 days for delivery after processing.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬: Please allow 1–2 weeks for creation and delivery.

We carefully package each bust to ensure it arrives safely – and ready to inspire your inner inventor.

💬 "𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬? Feel free to message us anytime – we'd love to help create the perfect piece for your collection