Cricket Newspaper Memorabilia Framing
David, a return customer to our Tuggerah store, has been collecting cricket memorabilia for more than 30 years. He recently brought in a historic and fragile newspaper printed in 1938. David had a similar piece framed previously and requested that we match the frame and set-back mounting as was done for his previous frame. Because we keep computerised records for our customers’ jobs, the details were easy to find so we could match exactly.
Due to the vintage nature of the newspaper, it was very fragile with damaged edges and worn creases where it was folded. David requested the damage was to remain visible, as well as the headline text, so minimal coverage was permitted for mounting behind the surrounding matboard.
How was this memorabilia framed?
To fulfil our customer’s request, Frame Today Tuggerah store manager Yuliia, chose a wicker-coloured matboard to use as the top mat which helped camouflage the defects in the paper. A blue matboard was chosen as a lower matboard to match the printed blue text and provide a design highlight. An extra layer of foamboard was placed between it and the top wicker matboard so as to add an extra layer of depth and shadow. This created the space for the newspaper to sit forward in its 3-D form.
To offer further protection of this historic newspaper, our most popular low reflection glass was chosen which provides 70% UV-screening properties to slow further fading that occurs due to sunlight.
What’s the significance of this piece of cricket memorabilia?
If you grew up in the 80’s, like I did, you would likely have seen the mini-series Bodyline. Framing the 1938 newspaper article about Harold Larwood’s benefit and his infamous role in the Bodyline series is a reflection of the lasting impact cricket history has on its fans.
This article commemorates a significant moment in the sport's history, paying tribute to a cricketer who was both revered and controversial in equal measure. The article being framed captures not only a milestone for Larwood but also serves as a time capsule that brings to life the intense rivalry between England and Australia during the 1930s.
Harold Larwood, a fast bowler for England, is best remembered for his central role in the Bodyline series during the 1932-33 Ashes. Under the leadership of England’s captain Douglas Jardine, the Bodyline strategy was designed specifically to counter the extraordinary batting prowess of Australia's Donald Bradman. Larwood’s short-pitched deliveries aimed at the batsmen's bodies caused a storm of controversy, sparking diplomatic tension between England and Australia. While England successfully regained the Ashes, the aggressive nature of Bodyline left a sour taste and forever altered the game’s spirit.
The newspaper article from 1938 marks a moment when Larwood, after enduring significant public and professional fallout from the Bodyline tactics, was recognised for his service to cricket. The benefit game, often organised to help retiring cricketers financially, was a nod to Larwood's contributions despite his association with one of the most divisive series in cricket history. Framing such an article allows cricket enthusiasts, such as our customer David, to reflect on the complexities of sportsmanship, rivalry and the evolving ethics within the game.
By preserving this piece of cricket history, Frame Today is helping to immortalise an era that still captivates fans today. It’s a reminder of how sports can transcend time, with stories like Larwood’s continuing to inspire debate and reflection among new generations of cricket lovers.
Framed memorabilia takes pride of place
Our customer David was very happy with the result, allowing this very special vintage item to be fully protected whilst being able to enjoy it with the rest of his collection.
We love hearing about the unique things our customers collect and the stories that go with them. Once framed, these memorabilia can take pride of place, sparking discussion with family and friends.
Perhaps you collect something that you may not have considered putting a frame around? Well, your nearest framing store might just be able to help you with your next memorabilia framing project.
