Cooke, Albert Charles (1836-1902)

Reportedly born in England in 1836. Whilst there, he studied under the artist James Duffield Harding (1797-1863), and later under Nicholas Chevalier (1828-1902). Emigrated to Victoria in 1854. He is said to have tried prospecting in the goldfields before settling to an artistic career.

Known especially for panoramic city scenes, but also worked as an architectural draughtsman and became a fellow of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects. He belonged to the Council of the Victorian Academy of Arts from its foundation in 1870 until 1873, and exhibited annually at its exhibitions to 1879.

He died at his home in Albert Park 11 Apr 1902, aged sixty-five and was buried the following day at St. Kilda Cemetery. Probate papers concerning an estate valued at £236.0s.7d survive in Victoria archives. “He was a refined and cultured gentleman” (The Age, 14 Apr 1902).