Liverpool on wheels: from horses to horsepower

Published February 12, 2020
Last Updated September 21, 2022
By Editor

For the first time in 20 years, highlights from National Museums Liverpool’s vehicle collection will go on display at the Museum of Liverpool. Liverpool on wheels: from horses to horsepower (14 February 2020 – 1 November 2020) will offer a unique insight into the fabulous array of vehicles built in and around Liverpool.

Since opening in 2011, the Museum of Liverpool has welcomed more than seven million visitors, and this new exhibition promises to be another hit with transport-enthusiasts of all ages and anyone with a passion for the city’s social history.

National Museums Liverpool has a much-loved collection of vehicles, ranging from bicycles to horse-drawn carriages. The exhibition will showcase those built by local companies such as Pickering Brothers, Harry Quinn and Fords.

Visitors to this fascinating exhibition can expect to see bicycles, carts and cars. From a Rushton Velocipede (1870) to a Range Rover Evoque (2012), each object is used as a gateway to tell the story of Liverpool’s impressive transport history. Also on display are a bright yellow Ford Escort MK1 complete with fluffy dice, a horse-drawn milk cart, and a rare AER motorcycle.

Sharon Brown, Curator of Land Transport & Industry said, “I’m excited we are having a transport exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool. Many of these vehicles have never been on display or have not been seen for a long time. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the vehicles that have been made in Liverpool and the remarkable manufacturing history of the city.

“I love the contrast between the Vulcan Motorcar of 1910 and the Range Rover Evoque, with one hundred years between them, both have the same basic principle but are so different in design and technology.”

Liverpool on wheels: from horses to horsepower willexplore the city’s remarkable history of transport innovation and manufacturing – which continues today.

For more information visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/museum-of-liverpool

Full exhibition vehicle list

Thomas Velocipede, 1868

Rushton Velocipede, about1870

Pickering’s Milk Float, 1890

Sefton Landau, about 1900

Baker’s Van, about 1900

Bathchair (Speke Hall), 1900

Davies Oil Tanker, 1902

Vulcan motorcar, 1910

Dyer’s Pavement Cart, about 1920

Horse Drawn Lorry, about 1923