Feature Points
- HISTORIC PHOTO REPRODUCTION: You'll love this high quality historic reproduction of 1956 Althea Gibson Photo Print. Our museum quality prints are archival grade, which means it will look great and last without fading for over 100 years. Our print to order photos are made in the USA and each print is inspected for quality. This historic photo is a perfect addition to your themed decor. Vintage photos look great in the home, study or office. They make a perfect gift as well.
- MUSEUM QUALITY: This high quality photo print will be a great addition to your vintage-themed wall. Don't waste money on cheap-looking, thin paper photos. We use high-end printing equipment with professional quality photo paper and ink. Our professional's choice semi-gloss paper displays images beautifully.
- A LOOK BACK AT HISTORY: This is an impressive, historic reproduction of 1956 African American Athlete Althea Gibson Portrait. A true piece of history. See our product description section for more fascinating information about this historic photo and its significance.
- READY TO FRAME: This unframed print includes a 0.2 inch border for a perfect frame fit and look. Our photos are designed to fit easy-to-find standard frame sizes, saving you money from having to pay for a custom frame. Each photo is inspected for quality and shipped in a rigid envelope/tube. The Historic Prints logo watermark will not appear in the printed photo.
- HISTORIX: We love history and art. Sometimes old photos have tears, separations and other blemishes. We digitally restore and enhance photos while keeping its historical character. All our photos are proudly made in the USA. Looking for a specific photo size? Please contact us. Customers all over the world love our vintage photos and we know you will too.
Additional Information
Pictured here in 1956, Althea Gibson was one of the first female athletes to break the color barrier in professional sports during the 1950s. That same year, she made history by winning the Grand Slam French Open before securing victories at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals-which would later become the U.S. Open-in 1957. In 1958, Gibson won both tournaments again and was named Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press for two consecutive years. Over her illustrious career, she claimed 11 Grand Slam titles, solidifying her place as a tennis legend.
Bob Ryland, who later coached Venus and Serena Williams, described Gibson as "one of the greatest players who ever lived". She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971 and the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame in 1980. Beyond her achievements in tennis, Gibson also became the first Black player to compete in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), further expanding her impact on sports. Her pioneering efforts and unmatched skill came at a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring Black and female athletes worldwide.
This photograph features a distinctive aesthetic and classic style, embodying Gibson's independent spirit and fierce competitiveness. It remains an enduring tribute to her trailblazing legacy and the generations of tennis players she would go on to inspire.
