Comedy great Bob Hope joked: “I left England at theage of 4 when I found out I couldn’t be king.”
On Friday, July 13, Hope returns home as the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum’s traveling exhibit makes its third stop at the Greenwich Heritage Centre Woolrich, Royal Borough of Greenwich South London, England.
Bob Hope and Arnold Palmer in a familar Hope snap.
The exhibit has been touring under the title“Bob Hope: An American Treasure” for stops at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich., but will assume the name “Bob Hope: A World of Laughter” for its UK engagement.
The exhibition opens just two weeks from the startof the 2012 Olympic Games in London and concludes Oct. 28, 2012.
“The Bob Hope family is absolutely thrilled to have Bob back on the ‘road’ to his hometown, especially at such anexciting time,” said Linda Hope, daughter of the late entertainer. “Dad loved the Olympics and I am certain that he will be catching some of the action along with enjoying being ‘home’ again.
“He was born in Elthamand always looked forward to returning. The World Golf Hall of Fame has put together some amazing displays that illustrate his humor, his loveof travel and his love of golf. I’m sure that this exhibition will be afun experience for both young and old.”
Hope was born Leslie Townes Hope in Eltham,in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, South London on May 29, 1903.
But at the age of 4 his family emigrated to America, where he became one of the world’smost loved, endearing and enduring comedians, renowned equally for his one-liners, films, support of the American troops during several wars andof course, his love of golf.
“Bob Hope: A World of Laughter” will feature more than 170 artifacts, including his KBE and CBE conferred on him by HRH Queen Elizabeth II. The exhibition will also include Hope’s honorary Oscar statuette, Honorary Veterans citation, Congressional Gold Medal and his PGA of America money clip.
More than 200 vintage photos and several video displays will tell the story about Hope’s early years as part of an immigrant family in the early 20th century, his rise as a star of stage, screen and radio, the relationships he had with U.S. presidents, his devotion to the men and women of the military and his love of golf.
“Bob Hope is a transcendent figure not just in golf, but in 20th century entertainment,” said Jack Peter, World Golf Hall of Fame Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
“We are honored to have the support of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation in this exciting venture.”
Councillor Chris Roberts, Leader of the RoyalBorough of Greenwich said, “Bob Hope is a famous son of Eltham in theRoyal Borough of Greenwich and we are immensely proud of our connection with him and all he achieved throughout his illustrious career. I hope the exhibition inspires people to visit our Royal Borough and enjoy someof the landmarks he used to grace.”
Additional artifacts that tell the storyof his roots in England, including his returns to his homeland to entertain royalty and the public alike, his charitable endeavors through the Bob Hope British Classic, the story of Eltham’s Bob Hope Theatre and his ties to the Olympic Games will be seen for the first time in this stop on thetour.
The exhibition will be available free ofcharge to the public at the Greenwich Heritage Centre, in the Royal Arsenal complex adjacent to the Royal Artillery – Firepower museum, from Friday, July 13 through Oct. 28, 2012.
* Thanks to the World Golf Hall of Fame.
