Dive into the history of England’s football glory with the National Football Museum’s collection of memorabilia. Preparations are underway for a 1966 World Cup exhibition.
Manchester United is not the only reason for a football fan to head northwards; Manchester is also the new home to the National Football Museum, which proudly presents the finest collection of football memorabilia ever assembled by Harry Langton, a London journalist with a passion for the game.
Finding a home for the huge collection was one of the driving forces behind the foundation of the Museum. From trophies and medals to vintage postcards and cartoons the museum traces the British obsession with the beautiful game and all that it is associated with.
The World Cup 1966
The collection also holds a great selection of historic items relating to the World Cup, provided by FIFA.
The National Football Museum has teamed up with Football Association (FA) to help mark the historic achievement of the 1966 tournament, which England hosted, with a special exhibition this summer.
Left: Newcastle United jersey from the 1911 FA World Cup Final, 1911 (cotton), English School, (20th century) / National Football Museum, Manchester, UK
Right: An England Shirt with International Badge, as worn by the 1966 World Cup winning team (cotton), English School, (20th century) / National Football Museum, Manchester, UK
Marvellous Memorabilia
The Football Musuem’s archive provides a unique insight into the development of football, bringing together a rich variety of paintings, prints and memorabilia including early board games.
The “Ace” Football Pool Game, 1930s (cardboard) (see also 315540), English School, (20th century) / Private Collection
These set of ‘humorous’ postcards from the 1890s, reflect early attitudes towards women footballers.
Left: We love to see a good half back, mounted postcard from Art & Humour’s Footer series, 1890s (colour litho), Frederick Spurgin (1882-1968) / National Football Museum, Manchester, UK
Right: A fine all-round player, mounted postcard from Art and Humour’s Footer series, 1890s (colour litho), Frederick Spurgin (1882-1968) / National Football Museum, Manchester, UK
“The National Football Museum is a superb realisation, a real jewel!” – Joseph S. Blatter, President of FIFA
Left: Bert Middlemiss, Tottenham Hotspur, drawing for a set of cigarette cards, 1907 (pen & ink on card), Rip, (fl.1907-09) / National Football Museum, Manchester, UK
Right: Pair of Cup Final special boots with wickerwork pattern stamped on the toes, c.1910 (leather), English School, (20th century) / National Football Museum, Manchester, UK
Images & Licensing
Bridgeman has proudly represented the National Football Museum’s collection since 2008
Contact uksales@bridgemanimages.com for image licensing enquires
Renton F.C., 1888/9 (b/w photo), English School, (20th century) / National Football Museum, Manchester, UK
Find out More
The National Football Museum in Manchester holds the world’s finest collection of football artifacts and archives, including the official FIFA Collection.
The 1966 World Cup Exhibition is being created in partnership with The Football Association (FA). The exhibition will be jointly staged at the museum’s Manchester home (opening June 25 until January 2017) and Wembley Stadium (opening July 11).