Exploring Bath’s Tennis Legacy.

Bath’s Game, Set, Match: Exploring our local area’s Tennis Legacy at the Museum of Bath at Work

In summer 2025, Bath’s sporting spirit took centre stage in a remarkable new exhibition that dives deep into the city and surrounding area’s unexpected yet influential role in shaping the game of tennis. At the town’s ‘Museum of Bath at Work’, the history of the sport has been displayed through everyday items like rackets, costumes, balls and manufacturing equipment. This is, of course, a history within which Price of Bath played a significant role.

A Georgian Beginning in a Fitting Venue

The setting itself is part of the story. The Museum of Bath at Work is housed within a former Real Tennis court dating back to 1777. Built by Richard Scrace, this hidden gem once echoed with the clatter of wooden balls and the shuffle of aristocratic feet. Now, it comes alive again as visitors explore how Bath embraced and influenced one of Britain’s favourite sports.

Tennis Beyond the Elite

Bath’s tennis story is more than just names and tournaments. It’s also about grassroots enthusiasm. From company-organised clubs to church groups and political societies, tennis was woven into the city’s social fabric by the early 20th century. Public courts popped up in parks like Sydney Gardens, making the sport accessible to all.

One exhibition highlight brings the evolution of women’s tennis fashion to life—complete with corsets designed for sport by local manufacturer Bayer & Co.—while a playful section explores vintage tennis-inspired toys and games.

Furthermore, the exhibition highlights how tennis transitioned in the late 1800s from being a pastime for a privileged few to some bigger. In particular, it shows how women found freedom and camaraderie on the courts, and how the city became a proving ground for rising stars. The prestigious West of England Lawn Tennis Tournament held in Lansdown drew international talent and sizable crowds.

Made in Bath: The Manufacturing Legacy of Price of Bath at the Museum.

Of course, we would argue that among the most fascinating threads in this exhibition is the story of Bath’s tennis manufacturing heritage, culminating in the remarkable survival of one family-run business: Price of Bath!

Established in 1936, Price of Bath is now the UK’s only remaining tennis ball manufacturer, a proud survivor in a field that is now otherwise overseas. Still operating in the Bath area, our company has supplied generations of British players and continues to innovate today, with new sustainable offerings for the modern age.

Our contribution is celebrated in the exhibition with a showcase of past and present tennis balls, including our acclaimed Mini Red Tennis Ball 75, the original mini ball designed to support junior training and development. These low-compression balls have helped thousands of young players learn the game with better control and confidence. Further, displays consider exactly how far tennis ball manufacturing has developed over the years, celebrated through loans from our collection of equipment and supplies to illustrate the changing face of manufacturing to visitors.

In an industry dominated by global giants, Price of Bath stands as a unique example of local craftsmanship and innovation. Our presence in the exhibition is a reminder that Bath’s connection to tennis isn’t just historical, but that it’s ongoing, hands-on, and proudly homegrown!

More Than Just a Sport

The exhibition From Indoors to Outdoors celebrates tennis, but also how a sport can reflect social change. From women ditching corsets to wear Teddy Tinling-designed dresses in the 1960s, to the rise of inclusive clubs across Bath’s neighbourhoods, the exhibition paints a picture of a city continually culturally shaped by its love of tennis.

Alongside displays, visitors enjoyed film screenings, talks, and even a historic tennis match re-enactment. A Strawberries and Cream Festival hosted by Bath Tennis Club in early July fittingly rang in the Wimbledon celebrations!

Whether you’re a lifelong tennis fan or just curious about Bath’s lesser-known stories, this exhibition served up a rich rally of history, culture, and community.

From Indoors to Outdoors runs until 31 October at the Museum of Bath at Work. Don’t miss your chance to explore Bath’s vibrant tennis past—on and off the court.