The Wingfield Patent

Features & Details

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield was a Welsh Renaissance Man remembered as a creator and promoter of modern lawn tennis. Wingfield patented the game in Great Britain in 1874 after others had previously combined sports like court tennis and rackets to play a game similar to what Wingfield called Sphairistiké. The patent from which this limited edition print was derived was granted to Major Wingfield by Queen Victoria on February 23, 1874, for “a new and improved portable court for playing the ancient game of tennis.” The original patent is currently on display in the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum.

• Measures 35 1/4” x 22 1/4”