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Bettmann was born in Germany in 1863. After trying his hand at a number of jobs he eventually founded the Triumph Company in 1889 and in 1890 opened a cycle factory in Coventry. Four years later the company moved to a larger factory in Priory Street, opposite the site of Coventry’s New Cathedral. The Triumph Company prospered and became one of Coventry’s most successful cycle and motorcycle makers.

Bettmann’s success allowed him to become a benefactor to his adopted city. He became President of the Coventry Liberal Association, a founder member of Coventry’s Chamber of Commerce, a Justice of the Peace and in 1913 Mayor of the city. Unfortunately his German origins meant he was ousted from the position at the outbreak of the First World War.

Despite this, in 1914, he and his wife founded the Annie Bettmann Foundation which aimed to help young Coventry men and women start up in business.

The Triumph Motorcycle Company became Coventry’s most famous motorcycle makers and Bettmann continued to have close links with the company until his death in 1952.

Category: People , Product

Institute: Coventry Transport Museum

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