Wimbledon is undoubtedly one of the best-loved events on the British sporting calendar. It is full of iconic traditions such as the world-famous queue, strawberries and cream and the all-white kit worn by players. However, there is one particular aspect which often proves to be a head-scratcher.
The men’s trophy is among the most distinctive in world sport for a number of reasons. The classical design is instantly recognisable, while the striking gold base carries connotations of prestige and glory. It also has a strange feature in the form of a small pineapple at the very top, an unusual addition to say the least.
But why is it there? Express Sport takes a look…
Why is there a pineapple on the Wimbledon trophy?
While there is no definitive reason for the exotic fruit featuring on the trophy, there are plenty of theories. One idea is that pineapples were a status symbol in the 19th century because they were mainly restricted to the upper classes.
This is supported by the Wimbledon website, which states: “Pineapples remained expensive to import to, or grow in, western Europe until commercial production began in Hawaii in the early 1900s. Serving them was thus an indication of high status.”
Eleanor Thomas, collections manager at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, gave a similar explanation in an interview with ABC News last year.
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She said: “We don’t actually have an exact reason as to why it’s there. The pineapple was a symbol of luxury and hospitality in the Victorian era, something only the wealthy could afford.
“Historically, it was a popular motif at the time, but it doesn’t really have anything to do with Wimbledon or tennis. It does now, obviously.”
What else is on the Wimbledon trophy?
The trophy, which stands 18 inches tall, also carries an inscription which reads: “The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World.”
While it appears gold, it is actually made of silver gilt. It was created by former Birmingham silversmiths Elkington and Co, who also made the women’s trophy, the Venus Rosewater Dish.
The names of previous champions, along with the dates of their victories, are engraved around the bowl of the trophy. In 2009, a black plinth with an ornamented silver band was added because more room was needed to list names.
Champions are denied the privilege of keeping the trophy, which stays at the All England Club. Instead, they receive a scaled-down replica which is around 25 per cent smaller than the real thing.
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