The Iconic Tennis Girl: A Snapshot that Shocked 🎾

Creation of a Famous Image

In September 1976, photographer Martin Elliott captured a rear shot of 18-year-old Fiona Butler, his girlfriend, holding a tennis racket and scratching her buttocks on a tennis court at the University of Birmingham. The dress was handmade by Butler’s friend Carol Knotts, who also provided the racket, while the shoes were borrowed from Butler’s father, and the tennis balls were her family’s dog’s toys.

Instant Popularity

First released as a calendar image in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee, the photograph gained widespread attention. Athena later licensed it as a poster in 1978, selling over 2 million copies. Despite Athena’s closure in 1995, the image remains a popular print.

Controversy and Claims

In 2015, Peter Atkinson claimed the model was his ex-wife, not Butler, citing similar images dated 1974. Elliott always denied these claims.

Cultural Impact

The photo has been parodied by celebrities and featured in numerous forms, from calendars to TV shows. In 2014, Knotts sold the original dress and racket at auction, with the dress now part of the Wimbledon Museum collection.

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