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Jack Johnson – the American boxer – was an international superstar. He was the first ever African American heavyweight champion of the world. He was so famous that a type of German artillery shell was given the nickname "Jack Johnson".

He had been effectively in exile from the USA since 1913 when he had jumped bail after being found guilty of a charge relating to his second marriage. Many think the charge was racially motivated.
In November 1915, he came to Blackpool – and managed to get in trouble with the local police.

Johnson appeared at the, now demolished, Palace Theatre in a review show called "Seconds Out." A newspaper report from the time said the venue was "packed in every part." The show was a mixture of comedy, singing and dancing. The newspaper described Johnson's smile as "intoxicating."

Johnson went on to meet thousands of wounded soldiers at the military convalescent camp at South Shore, where he is said to have given away ten thousand packers of cigarettes.

But his visit to the Fylde Coast wasn't all plain sailing. He was caught speeding in his car on the promenade. After changing to a guilty plea and apologising, Johnson was fined £2.

Location: Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, Museum Street, Blackburn BB1 7AJ
Image: Jack Johnson, courtesy of Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery

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