Object Details
user
Gibson, Althea
Description (Brief)
Althea Gibson (1927-2003) wore this tennis outfit while winning the woman's singles title at Wimbledon in 1957. In the match she defeated fellow American Darlene Heard.
Gibson was the first African-American to play in, and win, Wimbledon. She hoisted the prestigous event's silver trophy twice, in 1957 and 1958. She was also the first black woman to play in the U.S. Tennis Championships (1950,) to win the U.S. Open and to complete a Grand-Slam.
Gibson also broke the color barrier in professional golf when she joined the LPGA in 1964.
Credit Line
Gift of Althea Gibson
date made
1957
ID Number
1988.0260.07
accession number
1988.0260
catalog number
1988.0260.07
Object Name
outfit, tennis
Physical Description
cotton (overall material)
linen (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 32 in x 18 in; 81.28 cm x 45.72 cm
overall, mounted: 32 in x 15 in x 11 1/2 in; 81.28 cm x 38.1 cm x 29.21 cm
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
Highlights from the Culture and the Arts Collection
Exhibition
Entertainment Nation
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
name of sport
Tennis
web subject
Sports
level of sport
Professional
web subject
Women
African American
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_748878