Dublin tennis match, 1900s

This photograph shows a woman called Kathleen Shanks playing tennis. I reckon it dates from between 1900 and 1910 although I am not too sure of the location.  It might be at the Clontarf Lawn Tennis Club as the family lived in that area, however, there are several other clubs in suburban Dublin whose courts are in similar settings. I like the silhouetted houses and the fact that the two men in the background appear to float in mid air just like the tennis ball that Kathleen is about to hit!
White was considered a suitable colour for sporting activities as it does not show perspiration as readily as other colours and Kathleen’s outfit was typical of that worn during the early twentieth century. The Painted Woman blog has a great post on the history of tennis clothing for women with particular emphasis on the 1930s.

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Tipperary cyclist 1900s

This Tipperary woman looks like fun! She was definitely fashionable and trend conscious as demonstrated by her check suit and association with the very trendy pastime of cycling. Brian Griffin has written a comprehensive history of cycling in Ireland which also covers the gender issues surrounding the sport. Not everyone was keen on the independence and freedom that cycling gave women! Roger Vaughan‘s website includes a selection of Victorian and Edwardian cycling photographs. The studio props are also great – note the rustic seat and crescent moon. I also find it interesting that the backdrop in the first photograph is slightly shabby and no attempt has been made to hide the canopy and ground-sheet.

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