Rugby Ball, Pre 1823; Pre 1823; LDWRM:2003/30
Name/Title
Rugby Ball, Pre 1823
Rugby Ball, Pre 1823
About this object
There has always been an air of mystery surrounding this ball. No-one quite knows how old it is and what it was used for. The previous owner believed it dated to the 1820s as it is very similar to a ball depicted in Thomas Webster’s painting ‘Football’ from 1823. Tests by conservators to date the ball have been inconclusive, but it was speculated that the ball was made relatively recently, as 180 year old leather is not normally so soft. Could the ball be a fake? However, the most interesting aspect of the ball is its weight – a hefty 1.8kg! Heavy balls were commonly used in England to play Mob and Folk football, both of which pre-date Rugby and Association football. Perhaps the ball is older than initially thought?
There has always been an air of mystery surrounding this ball. No-one quite knows how old it is and what it was used for. The previous owner believed it dated to the 1820s as it is very similar to a ball depicted in Thomas Webster’s painting ‘Football’ from 1823. Tests by conservators to date the ball have been inconclusive, but it was speculated that the ball was made relatively recently, as 180 year old leather is not normally so soft. Could the ball be a fake? However, the most interesting aspect of the ball is its weight – a hefty 1.8kg! Heavy balls were commonly used in England to play Mob and Folk football, both of which pre-date Rugby and Association football. Perhaps the ball is older than initially thought?
Date Made
Pre 1823
Pre 1823
Medium and Materials
Leather
Leather
Credit Line
Donated, 2002
Donated, 2002
Object number
LDWRM:2003/30
LDWRM:2003/30
Tags
eHive copyright disclaimer
It is the responsibility of the eHive Account Holder to gain copyright clearance for any images or content published on eHive. If you are concerned about the copyright status for any content in eHive or would like more information on using or ordering copies of content, please contact the Account Holder of that content. If you would like more information on our copyright policy, click here.
© 2013
Vernon Systems Ltd