Exhibit salutes Harley-Davidson design chief ‘Willie G.’

In addition to his many achievements as designer, Willie G. Davidson is a prolific watercolor artist, shown here in his studio in 2015. Harley-Davidson Museum image

MILWAUKEE – The Harley-Davidson Museum’s summer exhibit honors the life, career and legacy of motorcycle icon Willie G. Davidson. “Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend” celebrates the artistry, influence and impact of a man whose designs have defined American motorcycles for generations. The exhibit runs through Sept. 7.

Davidson pursued his love of art and design from an early age and proved himself as a professional designer before becoming the first design director of Harley-Davidson in 1963. Over the course of the next five decades, he created a string of iconic designs that defined Harley-Davidson “factory custom” motorcycles. Throughout his life he has embodied a close-to-the-customer relationship, by attending motorcycle rallies, rides and races, that helped play a significant role in building the company into a global phenomenon.

“I wanted to combine my interest in art and design with my love for vehicles,” said Davidson. “I was born with gasoline in my veins and crayons in my hands.”

Housed in the museum’s Garage space, the exhibit displays a wide variety of pieces that Willie and his wife Nancy have collected over the years. From family and motorcycle memorabilia to a collection of antiques, Native American artifacts and American folk art, the things Willie surrounds himself with at home provide unique insights into his inspiration as a designer and artist.

Willie is also a skilled watercolor artist, and his artwork serves as a connective thread throughout the exhibit, from early drawings to dozens of recent watercolors highlighting his post-retirement creativity.

“It’s amazing to see not only my dad’s contribution to motorcycles honored through this exhibit but also his incredible artistic ability,” said Bill Davidson, vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum. “I hope visitors enjoy following his personal and creative journey as much as I have.”

The styling department Willie Davidson built continues to extend Harley-Davidson’s design leadership at the Willie G. Davidson Product Development Center in Wauwatosa, Wis.

Willie and Nancy still actively attend rallies and events in celebration of the brand and its customers.

Willie G. Davidson currently serves as chief styling officer emeritus and brand ambassador at Harley-Davidson Inc. He is affectionately known by millions of motorcycle enthusiasts as “Willie G.,” and he is the grandson of one of the original founders, William A. Davidson.

Davidson’s immersion in motorcycle culture and passion for art and design led him first to the University of Wisconsin and then to Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. After spending five years at Brooks Stevens Inc., Davidson joined Harley-Davidson as design director, where he established the company’s first formal styling department.

For 49 years, Davidson helped shape the look, sound and feel that define Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Beginning with the FX Super Glide® in 1971, he was responsible for a string of iconic designs that established the company’s “factory custom” dominance. In 1981, he was one of 13 executives who raised more than $75 million to purchase Harley-Davidson from AMF Inc.

One of the centerpieces of Willie’s collection is this late 1930s Drake midget racer powered by a Harley-Davidson model EL ‘Knucklehead’ engine. Harley-Davidson Museum image