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Notes

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Blinded at the age of 19 in a navy accident, Sir John Fielding set up his own business and studied law. The blind magistrate and social reformer worked with his half-brother and fellow magistrate, the novelist Henry Fielding, to raise standards of honesty and competence amongst those engaged in the administration of justice. At his half-brother's death in 1754, he was appointed magistrate at Bow Street in his place, becoming renowned as the "Blind Beak", and allegedly being able to recognise 3,000 criminals by the sounds of their voices. He carried on his ideas on the prevention of robbery and campaigned to provide employment for distressed youths. He was knighted in 1761.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

Sir John Fielding

Date

1762

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 124.5 x W 100.3 cm

Accession number

3834

Acquisition method

Given by friends of, Charles F. Bell, 1952

Work type

Painting

National Portrait Gallery, London

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

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

Nathaniel Hone I

1718–1784

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