Chelsea Gallery

Doggetts Coat and Badge Race, River Thames, London

Watermen on duty at the end of Doggett's Coat and Badge Race on the River Thames. They are wearing the livery of the Fishmongers Company. This is believed to be the oldest rowing race in the world, the competitors being a maximum of six apprentice watermen. It has been held every year since 1715, running between London Bridge and Cadogan Pier, Chelsea, passing under a total of eleven bridges en route. The winner's prize is a traditional waterman's red coat with a silver badge, plus a lapel badge. There are also various money prizes given by the Fishmongers Company. Thomas Doggett was an actor and comedian who relied on watermen for transport -- he instigated the race in 1715, and left instructions in his will for it to continue after his death in 1721

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Chelsea Follies Revue by Archibald de Bear and R. Arkell

Chelsea Follies Revue devised by Archibald de Bear (1882 - 1959) and Reginald Arkell (1889 - 1962). Presented by R.H. Gillespie with music by Wolseley Charles (1889 - 1962) and Desmond Carter (15 June 1895 3 February 1939). It was first produced at The Victoria Palace Theatre on 17th December 1930. This is a large postcard listing the cast members on the reverse, with Nervo and Knox the stars, (Jimmy Nervo and Teddy Knox were part of the original Crazy Gang). It leaves room for an address but not for a message. The design with various figures seen against a giant painters palette uses Chelseas association with art and artists. The Times thought that the staging was old fashioned and lacked imagination, but that the performance itself was most spirited'. Date: 1930

© The Michael Diamond Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library

Chelsea vs West Bromwich Albion 1905

A montage of photographs showing action from the fixture between Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion, in the Second Division of the Football League, played at Chelsea's home ground, Stamford Bridge. The match was won 1-0 by Chelsea. This was Chelsea's first season in the Football League, the club having only been founded in March 1905. They finished third in the division, missing out on promotion to to the top level by one place, though several points separated them from the top two clubs. West Bromwich Albion finished fourth. Two of the photographs in this montage show the respective goalkeepers, J.Stringer for West Bromwich Albion, and the famous William "Fatty" Foulke for Chelsea Date: 23 September 1905

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans