Join QVMAG Assistant Curator History, Burcu Keane, for a compelling series of mini-floor talks inside the Alexander 100 exhibition.
Over three sessions, Burcu will explore the creativity, community spirit, and global ambition behind the Alexander Patent Racket Company.
Each talk takes place within the exhibition space and focuses on a distinct theme, inviting participants to discover the stories and innovations that shaped a century of Tasmanian sporting history.
Tuesday 11 November 2025 | 11:00am – 11:30am
Alexander 100: creativity & innovation – “How to build a better Racquet”
Ever seen a racquet that inspired a musical instrument? Discover how Tasmanian design turned timber into tennis history.
From Alfred Alexander’s “I could make a better one” moment that was the catalyst to create the company, to the dry bent laminated timber technique that produced racquets in just 16 hours, the talk reveals the clever problem-solving and inventive spirit that defined the company.
Participants will get a close look at the cross-section display of the racquet’s layered design, the Flat Top racquet and Cressy Wizard models, and even banjo-mandolins inspired by racquet-making.
Don’t miss this curious, clever, and slightly cheeky celebration of design and innovation.
Upcoming talks in this series
Tuesday 25 November 2025 | 11:00am – 11:30am
Alexander 100: Community – “Made in Tasmania, played everywhere”
What do school pride, a farm tool turned court marker, and 21,000 rebellious ash trees have in common?... A racquet company that loved its community almost as much as it loved sport.
Book here
Tuesday 9 December 2025 | 11:00am – 11:30am
Alexander 100: global ambition – “From Launceston to Wimbledon”
What do a racquet in a wooden crate, a so-called “thick head” that nearly won a Grand Slam, and a racquet taller than your average man have in common? Uncover how a Tasmanian company swung for the world stage.
Book here
About the exhibition
Alexander 100 tells a uniquely Tasmanian story of creativity, community and global ambition.
Founded in 1925, the Alexander Patent Racket Company produced world-renowned tennis racquets and other high-quality sporting goods that helped shape Australian sporting culture.
This exhibition celebrates the centenary of the company and explores the innovation, design and marketing brilliance that placed a small Tasmanian manufacturer on the global stage.
Alexander 100
Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston
30 August 2025 — 11 January 2026
Free entry | Open 10am to 4pm daily
Image: QVMAG