'A representation of the famous battle at Smith in the Bottom, near Croydon ...'

'A representation of the famous battle at Smith in the Bottom, near Croydon ...' by Samuel William Fores

Samuel William Fores, 1788

Listen to the free audio guide

0:00/0:00

About this artwork

This hand‑coloured etching from 1788 captures a bustling boxing match at the Bottom near Croydon. You’ll see dozens of fighters in mid‑action—Thomas Futrell, Joseph Ward, and others—all captured with gloves raised or a kick poised to connect. The colours added by the printseller give each punch and splash of sweat a bright flare that draws you into the scene.

The image was published by Samuel William Fores on 10 June 1788, and it lives in the National Portrait Gallery as part of the long‑term loan collection.

See it in person

'A representation of the famous battle at Smith in the Bottom, near Croydon ...' is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.

More from The National Portrait Gallery

Keep exploring