Exhibitions | A Gem of a Game The roots of Lawn Tennis in the West Midlands
A GEM OF A GAME
The Roots of Lawn Tennis in the West Midlands
27 May – 29 August
Lady Barber Gallery
Lawn tennis has its historic roots just around the corner from the Barber Institute, where the first game was played in 1859 on a court at 8 Ampton Road, Edgbaston, between Major Harry Gem and his friend Jean Batista Perera. This exhibition explores the game’s origins and many connections with the Birmingham area. Objects on display include Harry Gem's original set of rules, trophies, rackets, costumes and other memorabilia associated with famous British champions. These include Maud Watson’s Flower Basket, presented to her when she won the first Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Championship in 1884, and the dress Ann Jones wore when she won the championship, 85 years later, in 1969. A gallery of images of British stars from the early days to the present will complement a fascinating selection of exhibits demonstrating changing fashions, social developments and racket and ball technology. This exhibition is co-curated by postgraduate students from the University’s Department of History of Art.
What our visitors are saying about A Gem of a Game:
‘The Barber did a fantastic job. It’s great to see postgrads curating; it’s a great start to their career.’
- Laura MacCulloch, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
‘Wonderful exhibition.’
- L. E. Hutchinson Shackleton (The Vale) University of Birmingham
‘Fantastic! Such a marvellous exhibition. I shall tell everyone and come again myself.’
- Jan Wild, Sutton Coldfield
‘First class! A fascinating insight into the origins and history of lawn tennis.’
- John Waring, Inverness, Scotland
‘Fascinating!’
- Sphiro Pefhany, Toronto, Canada
‘Amazing collection!’
- Donna Kelso, Sydney, Australia