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John Gully

(1783-1863), Prize-fighter, racehorse owner and politician

Regency Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 7 portraits
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.

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John Gully, published by George Smeeton - NPG L269.A3.03

John Gully

published by George Smeeton
hand-coloured etching, published August 1812
On display in Room 11 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG L269.A3.03

John Gully, by Unknown artist - NPG L269.A4.17

John Gully

by Unknown artist
etching, 1814 or before
On display in Room 11 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG L269.A4.17

The House of Commons, 1833, by Sir George Hayter - NPG 54

The House of Commons, 1833

by Sir George Hayter
oil on canvas, 1833-1843
On display in Room 12 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 54

John Gully, by Unknown artist - NPG D35064

John Gully

by Unknown artist
mezzotint, early 19th century
NPG D35064

A Peeler and a Repealer (John Gully; Daniel O'Connell), by John ('HB') Doyle, published by  Thomas McLean - NPG D41183

A Peeler and a Repealer (John Gully; Daniel O'Connell)

by John ('HB') Doyle, published by Thomas McLean
lithograph, published 13 March 1833
NPG D41183

March of Reform, by John ('HB') Doyle, printed by  Alfred Ducôte, published by  Thomas McLean - NPG D41187

March of Reform

by John ('HB') Doyle, printed by Alfred Ducôte, published by Thomas McLean
lithograph, published 28 March 1833
NPG D41187

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