John Gully

Image credit: National Portrait Gallery, London

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The prize-fighter John Gully's life story is an archetypal tale of social mobility. His career began with a notorious bare-knuckle fight in 1805 against Henry Pearce, nicknamed the 'Game Chicken', while Gully was in a debtor's prison. Organised by 'The Fancy' – the group of dedicated aristocratic followers of the ring – the prize for winning was his release from gaol. He later fought Pearce in front of a huge crowd which included the Duke of Clarence (later William IV). Despite several impressive victories, he retired to become a race-horse owner. His horses won the Derby many times and made his fortune. In 1832 he turned his attention to politics and became MP for Pontefract.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

John Gully

Date

1805–1808

Medium

oil on board

Measurements

H 43.2 x W 34.9 cm

Accession number

4817

Acquisition method

Bequeathed by the sitter's great-great-great-grandson, Brian Belk, 1992. On long-term loan to Bodelwyddan Castle, North Wales

Work type

Painting

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National Portrait Gallery, London

St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England

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