An exhibition which celebrates the Blues’ exploits in Europe opens at the Town Hall Galleries on Saturday. Ipswich Town in Europe marks the 30th anniversary of the club’s 1981 UEFA Cup triumph.
The exhibition starts with Town’s European Cup campaign in 1962, goes through to the Sir Bobby Robson era in the 1970s and 1980s and then on to the two-season return to Europe a decade ago
The collection of memorabilia and photographs which normally adorn the walls of Portman Road will be displayed in the Ipswich Town Hall Galleries in partnership with Colchester and Ipswich Museums and Ipswich Borough Council.
John Wark has lent two of his hat-trick balls from the 1981 UEFA Cup campaign, while the club’s official replica of the UEFA Cup and Eric Gates’s home shirt from the following season, embroidered to mark winning the trophy, will also be present.
Town’s chief executive Simon Clegg said: "The anniversary of the club winning the UEFA Cup 30 years ago has given us the perfect excuse to put on public display some of the wonderful memorabilia and artefacts that the club has amassed over many years of European competition.”
Jayne Austin, collections manager for the Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service, added: "Most of what you can see is on loan from Ipswich Town Football Club.
"We have been given unprecedented access to their collection of memorabilia for this exhibition. John Wark has also generously loaned the two hat trick balls he won during the victorious 1980/81 UEFA Cup campaign.”
The exhibition runs until Saturday 3rd September. The gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am — 5pm and also Bank Holiday Monday 30th May 10am — 8pm. Entry is free.