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

Thomas Potter Cooke (1786-1864)  

c.1880 copy of an original of 1860

Carbon print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913555

Photograph of a full length portrait of the actor Thomas Potter Cooke (1786-1864) standing, facing towards the camera. He gazes to the left. He holds a top hat in his right hand, placing his hand on his hip, and places his left hand on the balustrade behind him.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Thomas Potter Cooke (1786-1864)
  • annotation: Mr T.P. Cooke./ Reproduced. [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.5 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    8.9 x 5.9 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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