A new exibition of Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum already draws much attention of upcoming visitors...
As the Championships draw ever closer and anticipation builds, visitors will be pleased to hear they can indulge their passion for all things tennis with the arrival of Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum’s latest exhibition: ‘On The Riviera’ - Tennis in the South of France 1874-1939, running from this April 22nd until Easter next year.
The exclusive exhibition will feature fascinating French memorabilia, dating from the early 1890s to the late 1930s; treating visitors to a visual insight into the rich history of tennis culture on the Riviera.
The warmer climate of the Côte d’Azur attracted tennis’s elite players from the early 1880s, as it offered appealing conditions to play in during the winter seasons. Among the major influences of alluring talent to the south of France, namely competing at the Beau Site Hotel, were the renowned British Renshaw twins. Dominating the sport throughout the 1880s, the Renshaw twins were responsible for an impressive eight Gentleman’s Single Championship titles between them.
Further distinguished visitors to the area included Maud Watson, who held the honour of being the first Ladies’ Singles Champion at Wimbledon, Charles Lacey Sweet, Richard Sears and Dr. James Dwight – affectionately referred to as “The Father of American Tennis”.
As a result of such an enthralling time period for the sport, the exhibition is able to offer visitors the chance to enjoy an array of artefacts dating back to the early 1890s; including a vibrant collection of posters, photographs and graphics from the era. A highlight for tennis fans will be a programme representing one of the greatest matches in the history of the game; taking place in Cannes in 1926 between Suzanne Lenglen of France and her American opponent Helen Wills. The epic match was symbolic in that it was the first – and only – occasion the two players competed against each other, having spent their careers avoiding one another in singles play.
Supporting the new exhibit, the Museum is releasing a book titled The History of Tennis on the Riviera 1874-1939, written by the esteemed Alan Little.
More exciting news to come from the Museum, heightening the visitor experience, is the re-opening of the upgraded Wimbledon Museum Shop. The complete redesign is sure to impress. Most significantly, is the relocation of the main entrance, which is now visible from Gate 4 – ensuring visitors are immediately aware of where to start and finish tours. In addition, as tennis fans browse the wide range of products available from the official Wimbledon Collection, they will notice the introduction of digital signage above the registers, displaying a stream of current information relating activities of the Museum.
Ashley Jones, Commercial Manager of the Museum commented on the latest announcements, “With record attendance growth in all of our major international markets, it’s only fitting that the Museum continues to answer the demand for excellence – we believe the reinvented Wimbledon Museum Shop and our latest ‘Tennis on the Riviera’ exhibition will go beyond visitor expectations, and are proud to be offering such a unique experience to fans from all around the world.
©Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
