Mr G.V.Brooke as Othello

Theatrical souvenir portrait plate printed with an engraving of a the actor Mr G.V.Brooke in the role of Othello. The portrait is uncoloured and would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home. Published by Redington and sold by J.Webb (Brick Lane).

Brooke's theatrical success began when he was 14 and played William Tell. Born in Dublin, he then joined a tour of Ireland, Scotland and England before London theatres sought him out. His performances of tragedies were compared favourably to the most celebrated actors of his time, and Brooke toured America and Australia. On his return to London, Brooke was frustrated with his reception and soon boarded the S.S. London, in order to travel back to Australia. The steamship sank, taking 200 lives. G.V. Brooke was posthumously commended for his bravery and composure during the sinking.