Tennis Book 2009 - TIA UK

History
Following on from our Sport of Tennis feature, it
seems only natural to touch on the historical aspect
of the game, which is a fascinating subject and one
which can turn individuals into collectors of
memorabilia, books, programmes etc.
The best place to see for yourself how the sport has
actually evolved through the ages and how it has been
affected by the changing cultures and eras from
Victorian to Open, is the Wimbledon Museum which is
open throughout the year. It is based at the All
England Club and provides a unique insight into the
legendary players and artefacts plus inter-actives,
films and an amazing 200 degree Cinema taking a 3-D
look at the Science of Tennis and John McEnroe’s
‘ghost’ taking you round the old dressing room. The
Museum is the recipient of a Special Commendation in
the European Museum of the Year 2008, and a winner
of the Gold Award as Best Tourism Experience in
London in the Visit to London Awards for 2007 with an
additional Bronze Award in the Accessibility category.
The more serious fans, or collectors, attend auctions
at Sotheby’s and Christie’s and scour the various boot
sales and antique shops for the gems which can be
found amongst the articles on display.
The Silver Tennis
Collection Davis Cup
display at the NIA
which was a highlight
at the Davis Cup tie
against Sweden in
2002.
From time to time, special exhibitions are held at
events like Devonshire Park and Davis Cup ties, one of
the more interesting being the one arranged by The
Silver Tennis Collection for a Davis Cup tie at the NIA
featuring pictures, medals and cups of early players.
In contrast the Tennis Gallery Wimbledon put on an
excellent show of photographs by Michael Cole of
women players through the ages. Entitled ‘Supergirls’
it attracted a lot of attention last year at Devonshire
Park during the Ladies’ International.
Devonshire Park visitors view the Supergirls exhibition
last year at Eastbourne. Picture Tennis Gallery
Wimbledon.
Men’s memorabilia at the Wimbledon Museum.
Picture Wimbledon Museum
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