This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

UNKNOWN PERSON

George Cooke (1807-1863) in 'The Porter's Knot'

c. 1880 copy of an original of c. 1860

Carbon print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913543

Photograph of a full length portrait of the English actor George Cooke (1807-63) seated on a stool, facing towards the camera. He holds a cane in his right hand, resting his left arm on top. Cooke is dressed for his role in the play 'The Porter's Knot'.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    George Cooke (1807-1863)
  • annotation: Reproduced. Mr G. Cooke in "The Porters Knot." [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.5 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    9.1 x 5.8 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite