Names
Adrian Quist collection
IDs
nma-collection-164
Descriptions
The Adrian Quist Collection comprises a Dunlop tennis racquet used by Quist to win the Wimbledon Doubles Championship in 1950 and a handwritten note establishing the racquet's provenance.
Adrian Quist was one of Australia's finest doubles players, winning the Australian doubles title for ten consecutive years (with a break during the Second World War), as well as the Wimbledon doubles title twice, once before the war (1938) and once after (1950). He also played in a record 28 Davis Cup ties for Australia and won 42 of his 54 matches. Quist regarded the Wimbledon win of 1950 as a highlight of his career due to the length of time that had elapsed since he first won the title, his age at the time (38) and the strong field of competition.
This Dunlop Maxply tennis racquet illustrates the relationship between Quist and the Dunlop Company throughout his career. It was common in the days of amateurism for top sportspeople to work for a sports related company, and Quist's relationship with and contribution to the Dunlop Company illustrates this trend. Quist also contributed to Australian culture through his introduction of the 'herringbone sole' to the Dunlop Volley shoe. This is still Australia's biggest selling sports shoe and a cultural icon.
Copyright National Museum of Australia
Physical access to the collection by appointment only
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Dates
2012-05-30 23:43
2011-06-27 10:42