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 This
newly designed museum is in the grounds of the famous All
England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
The museum shows the history
of the game from its medieval origins as Real, Royal or Court
tennis to the professional sport of the present day.
Lawn tennis was developed in
the 1860s as a diversion for country house parties.
A display illustrates the many
stages involved in the production of the tennis ball, which
can travel up to 140 mph.
Alongside cases displaying 19th
century tennis equipment are reconstructions of a Victorian
parlour, filled with items of tennis memorabilia, a Gentlemen's
Changing Room of 1900 and the workshop of a maker of wooden
tennis rackets.
Film clips record the great
players of the past and a section on tennis since 1968 has
touch-screen commentaries on past and present Wimbledon champions.
There is also a collection of personal tennis memorabilia,
such as Boris Becker's autograph, Pat Rafta's tennis shoes,
Bjorn Borg's racket and Pat Cash's headband.
The costume gallery shows how
ladies' tennis fashion has evolved over the years.
On display are the famous Championship
Trophies.
Guided tours are available and
give visitors the chance to see behind the scenes at the club,
including a look at the Centre Court, when The Championships
are not taking place.
The Kenneth Ritchie Wimbledon
Library, which has over 6,000 books, programmes and magazines,
in open by appointment only.
Admission charge
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