The Museum of Bath at Work has won the annual Sporting Heritage Research Award which was presented at a ceremony at Headingley Stadium, Leeds on the evening of 13 November, organised by Sporting Heritage. The museum was recognised for its ground-breaking research into the history of Real Tennis and Lawn Tennis in the City of Bath uncovering new hidden histories about these sports and telling unique stories from the iconic winners of the South West Championship in the late 19th Century during Bath Tennis Week, through to the popularity of the lawn tennis across the city in the early 20th century with hundreds of clubs emerging, as well as the history of tennis ball manufacturing in the area. Research revealed that local businesses, churches and political parties encouraged tennis as a healthy leisure activity for all.
Representatives of museums and heritage organisations from across Britain gathered for this flagship celebration of Sporting Heritage in Leeds and the award was collected on behalf of the museum by Professor Ann Sumner. She was interviewed by sporting broadcaster Tanya Arnold who presented the awards. Ann, Professor June Hannam and Dr Sara Frears were delighted to have their research recognised in this way and expressed particular thanks to Sporting Heritage for their support. Ann also thanked all those who had lent and supported the exhibition including J Price of Bath the only UK manufacturers of tennis balls.
The Sporting Heritage Awards celebrate and recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations in preserving and promoting sporting heritage across the UK. They aim to raise awareness of the diverse activities and stories within sporting heritage, particularly those that have been previously unheard or overlooked. The Museum of Bath at Work is housed in an original, although since modified, Real Tennis Court built in 1777 and the exhibition has proved an excellent way to celebrate the history of the building.
