Living Portraits: Jem Belcher

Watch our collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, Megaverse and the National Youth Theatre, bringing the portrait of 19th century bareknuckle-boxer Jem Belcher to life!

Who was Jem Belcher? Jem Belcher was one of the most admired prize-fighters of the Regency, with his eccentric boxing style often seeing him tell jokes to his opponents during the bloodiest moments of combat. Here he is voiced by an actor from the @nationalyouththeatre, with his monologue written by Edem Kelman. Belcher’s portrait was painted by Charles Allingham around 1800 and today forms part of the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in central London.

This project was developed by @athenaartfoundation, @colnaghifoundation and @wearemegaverse, alongside the @nationalportraitgallery and @nationalyouththeatre, with support from #hereforculture and the Catherine Lewis Foundation.