Bradman Collection opens at the Adelaide Oval

The story of Australia's greatest cricketer and the world's greatest batsman has returned to the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, with the opening of the new Bradman Collection.

The Collection located within the Adelaide Oval Visitor Centre on Level 1 of the Southern Stand features audio and video history, memorabilia, photographs, and interactive areas where visitors can experience the Don's backyard training regime.

The collection was opened on Monday (25th November) by South Australian Tourism Minister Leon Bignell, South Australian Cricket Association President Andrew Sinclair, and John Bradman, son of Sir Donald Bradman.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Bignell said the Bradman Collection will become a must-see part of the Adelaide Oval experience and a huge drawcard for cricket fans from around the world, stating "the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval is already making international headlines, and this fantastic new facility for the Bradman Collection will only enhance that further."

Daniels said hundreds of millions of people around the world are familiar with Sir Donald's incredible feats, and yet so few were actually lucky enough to see him play.

He added "it was always Sir Donald's wish that the Collection be housed at the Adelaide Oval.

"We are privileged to be able to do so and enable generations of Australians to learn about our greatest cricketer ever."

History of the Bradman Collection

In the late 1960s, Sir Donald Bradman was persuaded to place much of his personal material in the State Library of South Australia. 52 scrapbooks documenting his playing career were organised by library staff over several years and photographs, menus, newspaper cuttings and telegrams were copied and mounted in chronological order.

In return Sir Donald donated a significant number of personal items of memorabilia to the library including various balls, bats, trophies, clothing and other pieces which became known as the Bradman Collection.

Some were originally displayed at the Mortlock Library from 1986 before a larger selection of pieces was moved to a permanent exhibition site in the Library's institute Building in 1998. It was originally Sir Donald's wish that a home for the collection might one day be found at the Adelaide Oval and this took place in August, 2008 to coincide with the centenary of his birth.

The South Australian Cricket Association, Premier's Department, State Library of SA and the Bradman Family are the custodians of the collection.

Bradman Collection items are on loan courtesy of the State Library of South Australia.

The Bradman Collection is open to the public from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday (closed weekends and Public Holidays), and will be open 10am to 4pm during the Commonwealth Bank Ashes Series test match in Adelaide. Entry is free.

For more information go to www.adelaideoval.com.au/newsdetail/16/44/bradman-collection-opens-at-adelaide-oval.aspx

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