Wheels of Change
Corn was not the only thing traded and sold at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. From furniture, to books, plants and demonstrations of how to do laundry with the latest gadgets. As the seasons and years changed, so did the range of goods and wares.
Driving Innovation
A long-standing use of the Corn Exchange was as a venue for motor and cycle shows. In 1899, Mayor George Kett opened the first, where he hailed the bicycle, “horse and driver in one.” The same year, undergraduate student, Charles Rolls test drove a motorcycle between the stands. Later, he co-founded the well-known company, Rolls Royce. By 1902–03, the cycle and motor exhibition had become an annual event at the Corn Exchange.
‘I was taken by my late father to the Cambridge Motor Show, one year, Jackie Stewart’s Tyrell F1 car that he won the world championship in was there and I was allowed to sit in it. I can’t imagine such things being allowed now!’ Gordon 1973
Motor show at the Corn Exchange c1910
Image Credit: The Cambridgeshire Collection
Demonstrations and Displays
Post-war Britain saw a huge increase in technological innovation and this was displayed regularly at the Corn Exchange. In 1948, local business, the Pye Company staged the world’s first demonstration of closed‑circuit television here. The following year, the newly opened Cambridge trades fair, promoted innovative new technologies ranging from the newest models of radio and television to Messrs J. A. Easton ltd who had come to Cambridge to demonstrate their permanent cold wave hair styling treatment!
Associated booksellers association exhibition in Corn Exchange
Image Credit: The Cambridgeshire Collection
Go Back and Explore More
Community Pastimes
The Cambridge Corn Exchange has long been a place for celebrations, community events and past times. From hosting the infamous student May Balls, to motor and cycle shows. With the new era of ‘rock and roll’, the venue adapted, becoming the concert venue it is today.
Exhibition Themes
The Pye Museum https://www.pyemuseum.org/
The Museum of Technology https://www.museumoftechnology.com/