W.G. George, Champion Pedestrian of England, from the Champions of Games and Sports series (N184, Type 2) issued by W.S. Kimball & Co. 1887

This small chromolithograph is part of a series called Champions of Games and Sports, issued by W.S. Kimball & Co. The late 19th century witnessed an explosion of interest in competitive sports, and athletes like W.G. George, the ‘Champion Pedestrian of England,’ became national heroes. In this portrait, George’s likeness is carefully crafted, his confident gaze speaking to the burgeoning cult of celebrity. Yet, the card also reveals the commercial interests that shaped the sports industry. Mass-produced and distributed with tobacco products, these cards blurred the lines between athleticism, consumerism, and national identity. Consider the act of collecting these cards, a hobby that cut across class lines, fostering a sense of shared national pride. But also, consider what stories remain untold; whose faces are missing from this pantheon of champions? While seemingly a simple tribute to athletic prowess, this card invites us to reflect on the complex interplay of commerce, identity, and representation in shaping our cultural landscape.