A portrait of a celebrated 19th-century boxer still hangs in Blackburn Museum  - and it is due for a new lease of life on a band's album cover. 

Jack Kendal, born John Kendal in 1864, was known for his boxing ability, having won numerous titles and awards.

Among his achievements were being named Champion Lightweight of Lancashire and winning the 10 Stone Amateur Cup of Blackburn on December 24, 1885.

He also clinched the Champion Jubilee Cup of Accrington on March 26, 1887, and the Catch Weight Amateur Cup of Blackburn on August 2, 1889.

In addition to these titles, Mr Kendal won nine other medals, which further solidified his reputation in the boxing world.

However, his popularity extended beyond the boxing ring.

Such was his fame that a portrait was painted of him, which can still be seen in Blackburn Museum.

Now the portrait is being used on an album cover by Blackburn-based band Bradford. 

Band member, Ian Hodgson, who is Jack Kendal's great-nephew said: "Bradford have a brand new single out this Friday with an accompanying video. An album is to follow early 2025 featuring my great-uncle Jack Kendal's portrait. 

"Jack's damaged portrait resides in Blackburn Museum storage and we had to seek special permission to view/access it."

Blackburn Museum also houses several of his trophies, including one engraved with his name for winning the 10 Stone Amateur Cup in 1885.

Blackburn Museum holds an engraved trophy with his name for winning the 10 Stone Amateur Cup in 1885Blackburn Museum holds a trophy engraved with his name for winning the 10 Stone Amateur Cup in 1885 (Image: Supplied)

Mr Kendal's boxing talents also saw him being invited to events across Blackburn to showcase his skills.

One such event was a benefit event at the Lyceum Theatre on Market Street Lane in Blackburn on May 8, 1896.

Here, he was mentioned on a poster, which now resides in Blackburn Library.

The poster also lists the names of Mr Kendal's pupils, who were taught boxing at his academy.

Other names on the poster include Jack Parsons, Billy Lane, Jimmy Eagles, and the Brothers Morris, who were dubbed the 'smallest boxers in the world.'

The poster for a benefit event at the Lyceum Theatre on Market Street Lane now resides in Blackburn LibraryThe poster for a benefit event at the Lyceum Theatre on Market Street Lane now resides in Blackburn Library (Image: Supplied)

Mr Kendal was the eldest son of Matthias and Betsy Kendal, and had a total of seven siblings.

He married Mary Jane Walmsley in 1886, a year after he won the 10 Stone title, and six years before his father Matthias met his end in a canal.

Kendal had six children, four of whom tragically died before their first birthday.

Only one of his children went on to marry and have kids, his daughter, Clara Kendal, born in 1888, lived until 1956.

Jack Kendal died in 1936 at the age of 72.