Beschreibung:

A interesting group of ephemera relating to Miss Florence Sandell and the Ladies Gymnastics Display at the 1908 London Olympic Games, including Miss Sandell's stadium admittance pass for her participation in the gymnastics display on 17th July together with a counterfoil from a ticket stub allowing her admittance to the competitors' seats in the stadium grandstand; an instructions sheet issued to those participating in the display; two letters of congratulation to Miss Sandell from J E K Studd, President of the Polytechnic Club; and some press clippings and miscellaneous items A newspaper cutting in this lot describes the following scene: Perhaps, however, the most pleasing incident was provided by the girl gymnasts. They had gone through a hoop drill, which included some graceful movements, in a smart manner, and a large squad then advanced well towards the front carrying double-staffed flags of self colours in red, white and blue. Their purpose was quickly made apparent. A few deft passes and a huge tri-colour sprang into existence, behind which the girls were completely sheltered. Piquancy was added to the graceful and effective compliment to the attending French President by the 'Marseillaise' played by the band, while there was an unrestrained spontaneous outburst of cheering from the bow large concourse of spectators. It was an artistic triumph, a happily conceived idea carried into practice with perfect execution. That M. Fallieres appreciated this delicate friendly homage to the French flag was unmistakable, for his pleasure was expressed in the smiles which chased each other over his expressive countenance.' Men's gymnastics has been a feature of the Olympic Games since Paris in 1900. Women's participation, however, was not allowed until the Amsterdam Games of 1928.