Brompton and Mappin & Webb create first gold-plated Brompton
Cycle brand Brompton and jeweller Mappin & Webb have collaborated on the creation of two gold-plated bikes in support and celebration of Team GB athletes heading to the 2024 Olympic Games.
Although the British brands have created separate Team GB product collections for this year’s event, they decided to join forces for two very special edition Brompton C Line bikes.
The process to build the bike began with the Mappin & Webb’s Silver workshop team gold-plating the C Line parts before they were carefully assembled by the in-house Brompton specials team into the full Brompton x Mappin & Webb Gold bike.
All components were meticulously cleaned and polished by hand before being submerged into an electrochemical plating tank, with the large frame being plated for over three hours. In total, the process included over 65 hours of hand polishing and silversmithing.
The bikes feature the Team GB logo on the frame which has been hand-engraved by the master engravers at Sam James. Each of the applied Team GB decals, including the lion heads on the handlebars, have been crafted in sterling silver and gold-plated.
Jason Fitzgerald, retail director at Mappin & Webb, said: “The collaboration between Mappin & Webb and Brompton to create two limited edition, gold-plated bikes for Team GB are a true testament to the dedication and expertise from our in-house silver workshop team and the specialists at Brompton.
“This exciting project embodies the spirit of excellence and craftsmanship that unifies these two British brands, and it is wonderful to see it come together to support our athletes on their journey to success.”
The Brompton x Mappin & Webb Gold bikes will be on display at Team GB House in Paris and the Team GB Fan Zone in London’s Kings Cross from Friday 26 July to Sunday 11 August.
David Row, head of communications at Brompton, said: “Our bikes have been moving Team GB athletes around host cities for the last five Olympics Games, and we’ve heard so many stories of fond memories people involved have of using a Brompton in and around the Olympic Village, between venues, or on their days off in the city.
“This year we wanted to create something special that would celebrate these amazing athletes. Coming together with another Team GB supporter, iconic British brand, and expert craftsman in Mappin & Webb has been the perfect collaboration. The result is one of the most unique and visually stunning bikes we’ve ever produced.”
Following the event, the bikes will be auctioned off for the British Olympic Foundation and fundraising channels.
