Royal Leamington Spa was home to the first lawn tennis club in the world. Lawn tennis is said to have been developed by Major Harry Gem and Jean Batista Perera. Major Gem founded the club in 1872 and became its first president.
When the Leamington lawn tennis club tournament was won three years in a row by Dr Joshua Pim, this silver trophy was awarded to him permanently. Pim (1869-1942) was born in Wicklow, Ireland and considered to be the finest tennis player of his day. He won two Wimbledon singles titles in 1893 and 1894. In 1902 he captained the Davis Cup team to America. The trophy was presented to Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum by the Pim family.
Lawn Tennis Club Trophy
Contributed by Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum
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Comments
Such a shame that Harry Gem lies in an unmarked grave in Warstone Lane cemetery in Birmingham.
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