Mr T.P. Cooke as William in Black Ey'd Susan

Uncoloured theatrical souvenir plate engraved with a portrait of the actor Mr T.P. Cooke in the role William from the play Black Eyed Susan. The engraving is signed 'R.Lloyd, del et sc.' this probably refers to the publisher and engraver Robert Lloyd. The plate is also marked 'To the Manager and Gentlemen of the Surrey Theatre this plate is respectfully dedicated by their obliged and humble servant'. Such sheets would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home.

Cooke was synonymous with sailor roles in nautical dramas, following his success in the play 'Black Eyed Susan'. Cooke had joined the navy as a boy and audiences and critics enjoyed his performances as sailors. It was often said that Cooke's experience at sea informed his acting and that he gave his characters credibility.