15 November 2005
Tennis champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley's Wimbledon trophies have found a home at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra - with the spoils of her 1980 victory set to go on show in a new sports exhibition opening on 1 December.
The National Museum recently acquired Evonne's 1971 and 1980 Wimbledon singles trophies, the trophy from her 1974 doubles win and two racquets used in the tournaments. Previously, the museum took part in Evonne's annual charity sporting auction, buying a tracksuit top and a Teddy Tinling dress she wore in the early 1970s. The Tinling dress will also be displayed.
'I'm delighted that my Wimbledon trophies and associated memorabilia have found a single and permanent home at the National Museum where they can be viewed by all who wish to,' Evonne said.
'I have never been one to display trophies at home even though I was fortunate to win a lot of them but these are special and ever since I first won at Wimbledon in 1971, I have received requests to see or borrow them. To that end over the years, they have either been on display at different institutions or functions or locked away between times in secure storage. I feel honoured that people want to see them and thanks to my ongoing relationship with the National Museum, they can now be seen long after I am gone.'
From the courts in Barellan, New South Wales, Evonne went on to become of the world's top tennis players, winning the Australian Open three times, the French Open once and Wimbledon twice. Her story is told in the new exhibition, Sport: A National Obsession?
'Evonne had incredible natural talent and received strong support from the people of Barellan, who helped her train in Sydney,' said curator Joanne Bach. 'Her story is even more remarkable because she is one of very few women who have won a major tournament as a mother.'
Media are invited to meet Evonne Goolagong Cawley in the National Museum's Nation Gallery at 12pm tomorrow, Wednesday, 16 November. Curator Joanne Bach will also be available for comment.
Sport: A National Obsession opens in the National Museum's Nation Gallery on 1 December and will be on permanent display. It looks at the history of various sports and how sport often reflects values in society. Other objects going on show include Paralympian Michael Milton's downhill ski, Don Bradman's batting pads, Layne Beachley's surfboard, Lote Tuqiri's Dally M trophy and Phar Lap's heart. Entry to the museum's permanent galleries is free.
For interviews or more information please contact Leanda Coleman on 02 6208 5338, 0438 620 710, Sandy Forbes on 02 6208 5351, 0409 916 481 or email media@nma.gov.au