HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visits Cambridge for a day of art and sport

The visit began at the College, where His Royal Highness toured the Women’s Art Collection – the largest collection of modern and contemporary art by women in Europe. He was welcomed by Dr Rachel Polonsky, Acting President and Chair of the Art Committee, before meeting civic guests including Councillor Dinah Pounds (Mayor of Cambridge), Councillor Peter McDonald (Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council), and Mr Paul Bristow (Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority).

Once inside the College, the Duke was conducted by the Curator, Mrs Harriet Loffler, on a private tour of the Collection, which includes more than 600 works by artists such as Dame Paula Rego DBE, Maggi Hambling CBE, Lubaina Himid CBE and Judy Chicago. The Collection, founded in 1986, is displayed against the background of the College’s distinctive modernist architecture and has been accredited by Arts Council England since 2018.

His Royal Highness also met senior members of the University and of Murray Edwards, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-President Professor Miranda Griffin, and Dr Victoria Harvey, Senior Tutor at the College and President of the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club.

Following the tour, the Duke attended a reception where he met students who have completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and then signed the visitors’ book.

Dr Polonsky said: “This place of learning is governed under a Royal Charter granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. At the start of this academic year, in which we mark the 60th anniversary of our wonderful buildings and the 40th anniversary of the Women’s Art Collection, it is a special privilege to welcome His Royal Highness.”

In the afternoon the visit turned from art to sport at the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club at Grange Road. In his role as Patron of the Tennis & Rackets Association (T&RA), His Royal Highness officially launched the inaugural National Real Tennis Open Event – a nationwide initiative bringing together all 24 UK real tennis clubs for the first time. The event, which ran from 2–5 October, was designed to introduce the historic game to new audiences through open days, exhibition matches and taster sessions.

At the Club the Duke was welcomed by the President, Dr Harvey, and met representatives from the T&RA, including Chairman Mr Richard Compton-Burnett, CEO Mr Chris Davies and National Event Coordinator Mr Nick Brodie. He also met students, alumni and professionals taking part in the tournament before enjoying the opening Division 1 match.

During his visit the Duke, an alumnus of Jesus College, displayed his personal enthusiasm for a sport that has its roots in the Court of King Henry VIII and is the forerunner of modern lawn tennis.

He also met Professor Bhaskar Vira, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Environmental Sustainability and Chair of the University Sports Committee, and Mr Mark Brian, Director of Sport, alongside sponsors and supporters of the Club. The afternoon also afforded opportunity to speak with players and alumni about the future of the game and the importance of attracting new players.

The day provided a rare opportunity to showcase two distinct aspects of Cambridge’s cultural life: a pioneering collection that celebrates women’s contributions to the visual arts, and an historic sport being introduced to the upcoming generations. 

• The Women’s Art Collection at Murray Edwards is open to everyone, every day, between 10am and 6pm and is free to visit. There is no need to pre-book a visit: www.murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk/womens-art-collection
   
• Membership of the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club is open to all: men, women, young and old, school children, students, locals, visitors (town or gown) and not just to members of the University. Guests are also welcome. The club has recently undergone a large development programme which has provided a new court, club room and a new pros room. Visit: www.curtc.net