Bobby Charlton
- Artist: Peter Edwards
- Date: 1991
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 84 in. x 62 in. (2136 mm x 1573 mm)
- Portrays: Sir Robert ('Bobby') Charlton
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This oil portrait by Peter Edwards shows Sir Robert “Bobby” Charlton standing tall and relaxed, his head turned slightly to the right. You’ll notice the loose brushwork around his shoulders and feet—Edwards blurred those edges to give a sense of motion as if he’s about to stride onto the field. In the upper left corner a round shape draws your eye; it’s a subtle football, while just above Charlton’s head the light suggests a halo, echoing a joke his teammate George Cohen made in jest. The work was commissioned by British Gas for the 25th anniversary of England’s 1966 World‑Cup win, celebrating Charlton as one of the greats who lifted that trophy. It hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, inviting you to feel the energy of that historic moment.
See it in person
Bobby Charlton 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.
