On Court: Bath and Tennis from Indoor to Outdoor Exhibition at Museum of Bath at Work

An exciting exhibition revealing new research about the importance and popularity of tennis in Bath from Georgian times to the present day opens this June in a building which is itself a Georgian Real Tennis court.

A wide range of displays will illustrate the development of the game from Real to Lawn tennis, including unique tennis trophies, early rackets, original costumes, tennis balls and manufacturing equipment, games and toys inspired by the sport, historic photographs and much more.

The exhibition shows the increasing popularity of tennis in the twentieth century as clubs associated with churches and workplaces, and the provision of public courts, made it accessible for all. The game of tennis is placed in the context of a broader social history. One focus is on clothing – there are costumes on display which show changes from the 1880s onwards.  Another theme is  the local manufacture of tennis rackets, corsets, gut for tennis racket strings and of course tennis balls, still proudly made in Box by Price of Bath. Many examples of which will be on display.

For more information, visit museumofbath.org

June 12 – October 31 | 10.30am – 5pm | Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, BA1 2RH