by Major Taylor, full name Marshall Walter Taylor, was known as the Worcester Whirlwind. As someone who’s lived in or near Worcester, Massachusetts for over thirty years, I adore this part of our city’s legacy.
Born in 1878, Major Taylor was a stunningly amazing bicyclist. He was also Black. As a result, even as he was a world-class athlete setting world records, he had to endure stunning racism. And yet he persevered.
Every year in Worcester we honor Major Taylor’s life with the George Street Hill Climb biking challenge. George Street is a VERY steep hill which Major Taylor himself trained on.
In 2025 the challenge is on Sunday July 27th! Here’s the details:
Here’s one of the cyanotypes I donated to raffle at this event – it was made from bicycle gears! I painted a rough-edged design to add visual interest to the cyanotype.
This cyanotype is sized 8″ x 10″ and is matted out to 11″ x 14″.
This photo of my cyanotype was taken by me. The image is copyright Lisa Shea.
