Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum will open its latest exhibition – Tennis On The Riviera – in April.
The exclusive exhibition will feature 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 Cote d’Azur attracted tennis’s elite players from the early 1880s, as it offered appealing conditions to play in during the winter seasons.
Well known for 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".
The exhibition will include artefacts dating back to the early 1890s, including a 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 Wimbledon Museum is releasing a book titled The History of Tennis on the Riviera 1874-1939, written by Alan Little.
