Court on Canvas. Tennis in Art

This is the first publication to consider in depth the representation of lawn tennis in art. Court on Canvas contains a broad survey of images, illustrating the wideranging developments of the game from the 1870s to the present day. The history of tennis art is studded with the contributions of famous artists drawn to the game including John Lavery, L.S. Lowry, Christopher Wood, Eric Ravilious and more recently David Hockney and Tom Phillips. This book includes a wealth of these attractive images, as well as many by lesser known but highly accomplished artists of the 1920s and '30s whose work deserves wider recognition, including Percy Shakespeare and Marjorie Watherston. Detailed examinations of the works are placed in a wider social, historical and art historical context.
The book comprises five essays: two by Ann Sumner covering a range of themes including the representation of women in tennis; a chapter by Kenneth McConkey on John Lavery and his many works inspired by the game; Robert Holland writes on the history of tennis in Birmingham, the West Midlands and Wales, while Susan Elks provides a history of tennis costume. Court on Canvas: Tennis in Art will appeal to tennis enthusiasts and art historians alike.