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Tennis Racquets Collection

"Unraveling the Rich History of Tennis Racquets: From Althea Gibson to Rod Laver and Beyond" Step into the world of tennis racquets

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Children's clothing 1890. Creator: Lefranco

Children's clothing 1890. Creator: Lefranco
Children's clothing 1890. Fashion plate No. 972 in Le Salon de la Mode et du Costume Paris, 1890

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Miss Desha Allen - Tennis Tournament, 1913. Creator: Harris & Ewing

Miss Desha Allen - Tennis Tournament, 1913. Creator: Harris & Ewing. Miss Desha Allen - Tennis Tournament, 1913
Miss Desha Allen - Tennis Tournament, 1913

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Children's clothing 1890. Fashion plate No. 972 in Le Salon de la Mode et du Costume Paris, 1890

Children's clothing 1890. Fashion plate No. 972 in Le Salon de la Mode et du Costume Paris, 1890

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Sticker for the American Tennis Association owned by Althea Gibson, late 20th century

Sticker for the American Tennis Association owned by Althea Gibson, late 20th century
In 1956 Althea Gibson (1927-2003) became the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships). The following year she won both Wimbledon and the US Nationals

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: A game of tennis (litho)

A game of tennis (litho)
3098542 A game of tennis (litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A game of tennis. Illustration from Le Figaro Illustre, September 1893.); © Look and Learn

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: A new rival to cricket - the game of gryllo (litho)

A new rival to cricket - the game of gryllo (litho)
3627014 A new rival to cricket - the game of gryllo (litho) by Speed, Lancelot (1860-1931); Private Collection; (add.info.: A new rival to cricket - the game of gryllo)

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Surrey Collegians giving a lift to a Limb of the Law, from The English Spy

Surrey Collegians giving a lift to a Limb of the Law, from The English Spy
3090252 Surrey Collegians giving a lift to a Limb of the Law, from The English Spy, published London, 1824 (colour litho) by Cruikshank

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: The Sportsmans Exhibition at the Royal Agricultural Hall (engraving)

The Sportsmans Exhibition at the Royal Agricultural Hall (engraving)
1037903 The Sportsmans Exhibition at the Royal Agricultural Hall (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Tennis racquet and frame used by Althea Gibson, mid-late 20th century. Creator: Unknown

Tennis racquet and frame used by Althea Gibson, mid-late 20th century. Creator: Unknown
In 1956 Althea Gibson (1927-2003) became the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships). The following year she won both Wimbledon and the US Nationals

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Tennis racket cover used by Althea Gibson, ca. 1960. Creator: Wilson Sporting Goods Co

Tennis racket cover used by Althea Gibson, ca. 1960. Creator: Wilson Sporting Goods Co
In 1956 Althea Gibson (1927-2003) became the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships). The following year she won both Wimbledon and the US Nationals

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Patch for the International Lawn Tennis Club of the United States, 1980. Creator: Unknown

Patch for the International Lawn Tennis Club of the United States, 1980. Creator: Unknown
In 1956 Althea Gibson (1927-2003) became the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships). The following year she won both Wimbledon and the US Nationals

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Rod Laver wins Wimbledon mens singles final 1968 leavesd the court with his opponent Tony

Rod Laver wins Wimbledon mens singles final 1968 leavesd the court with his opponent Tony Roche msi

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Champion tennis players. Watson Washburne, USA, ( right ) and Louis Raymond, South Africa

Champion tennis players. Watson Washburne, USA, ( right ) and Louis Raymond, South Africa. 1924

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: American lawn tennis players. Mrs J B Jessop. 1924

American lawn tennis players. Mrs J B Jessop. 1924

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Japanese tennis players at practice at Hendon. The Japanese tennis team who oppose

Japanese tennis players at practice at Hendon. The Japanese tennis team who oppose Surrey at Purley Bury were at practice at the London County Club at Hendon

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Champion tennis player and Titanic survivor, R N Williams ( Richard Norris Williams )

Champion tennis player and Titanic survivor, R N Williams ( Richard Norris Williams ). 1924

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: Frinton Tennis Tournament. Miss J. E. Stevens and Mrs Craddock 15 July 1929

Frinton Tennis Tournament. Miss J. E. Stevens and Mrs Craddock 15 July 1929
Frinton Tennis Tournament. Miss J.E. Stevens and Mrs Craddock 15 July 1929

Background imageTennis Racquets Collection: At the Beckenham Tennis Tournament, Mlle D Alvarez. 1928

At the Beckenham Tennis Tournament, Mlle D Alvarez. 1928



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"Unraveling the Rich History of Tennis Racquets: From Althea Gibson to Rod Laver and Beyond" Step into the world of tennis racquets, where history intertwines with passion and skill. 🎾✨ In the late 20th century, a sticker for the American Tennis Association owned by Althea Gibson symbolized her groundbreaking achievements as an African-American player in a predominantly white sport. Her legacy continues to inspire generations. A litho depicting a game of tennis reveals how this beloved sport has captivated players and spectators alike throughout time. It showcases the intensity, agility, and finesse required to conquer the court. But did you know that there was once a new rival challenging cricket's dominance? Gryllo, another litho from yesteryears, tells us about this intriguing game that briefly captured attention before fading away into obscurity. The Surrey Collegians giving a lift to a Limb of the Law is an amusing glimpse into early days when tennis was still finding its footing in society. This comical scene reminds us that even amidst competition, camaraderie thrived on and off the courts. Meanwhile, The Sportsmans Exhibition at Royal Agricultural Hall engraving transports us back to an era when exhibitions celebrated sportsmanship across various disciplines. Tennis took center stage among other revered activities during these grand events. Examining actual artifacts used by legends like Althea Gibson sheds light on their impact within tennis history. A mid-late 20th-century tennis racquet and frame she wielded showcase both innovation and tradition – tools that propelled her towards greatness with every swing. Protecting these cherished instruments was crucial; hence Wilson Sporting Goods Co designed a stylish cover specifically for Althea Gibson's racket around 1960 – preserving it for future generations who would marvel at her accomplishments. Patches hold stories too.