Hot 50: ANDREW RITCHIE

Andrew Ritchie, designer of the iconic Brompton folding bicycle, has made this year’s Hot 50 after a triumphant 2009.

Last October Ritchie received the Prince Philip Designers Prize, an accolade awarded annually to recognise a lifetime’s contribution to design, from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace. The prize, which celebrated its 50th year in 2009, honours designers who define design today and for future generations.

The Brompton bicycle was first developed more than 20 years ago. An engineer, Ritchie has dedicated his career to perfecting the folding bicycle. In 1975, looking at the design of the Bickerton folding bicycle, he thought he’d do better and took a fresh approach. With friends’ backing, the Brompton Bicycle Company was established and by 1995 had won the Queen’s Award for Export in recognition of increased sales in Europe and elsewhere.

After winning the Prince Philip Designers Prize Ritchie said that he is ‘not finished yet’.