Unknown

West Bromwich Sweep

Details

Artist

Unknown

Title

West Bromwich Sweep

Date

About 1850

Medium

Watercolour

Dimensions

H: 48.5 x W: 60.3 cm

Reference

CVCSC:0076.F

Collection

British Folk Art

Status

On Display

Before the introduction of boxing gloves with the Queensberry rules of 1867 (named after John Sholto Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry), bare-knuckle fighting could cause extreme facial injury. The West Bromwich Sweep’s bruised and swollen face is vividly portrayed, tended to by his manager Jem Parker.

West Bromwich Sweep About 1850 © Compton Verney