Cycle ‘Excelsior’ / Bayliss Thomas. 1896.

ARTIST: LUCIEN BAYLAC (1851-1913) SIZE: 34 1/4 x 51 1/8 in./89.6 x 129.8 cm PRINTER: Imp. Kossuth, Paris DESCRIPTION: “There isn’t any danger when one rides an Excelsior bicycle.” Of course, you have to assume that someone shrewd enough to take along a light bright enough to read this sign during the course of their nighttime ride was already making his way atop a Bayliss Thomas of Coventry machine. So in many ways Baylac’s advertisement is somewhat guilty of preaching to the choir; however, the concept that Excelsior is the bike for the serious rider comes across with steadfast resolve. (Art Nouveau; Bicycles)