John Cooke Gallery

A discussion on the Piltdown skull by John Cooke

Portrait group of well-known British scientists examining the Piltdown skull. This topical painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1915, while debate continued as to whether the bones represented the missing link between man and ape. From left to right in the front row: Professor A.S Underwood, Professor Arthur Keith, Mr. W. P Pycraft and Sir E. Ray Lankester. In the back row can be seen Mr . F.O Barlow, Professor Elliot Smith, Mr. Charles Dawson and Dr. A. Smith Woodward. The Piltdown man was found to be an elaborate hoax in the early 1950s. Date: 1915

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Old Liverpool Infirmary and Alms-Houses, with John Cookes circus in the foreground, c

XJF497288 Old Liverpool Infirmary and Alms-Houses, with John Cooke's circus in the foreground, c.1826 (engraving) by Herdman, William Gavin (1805-82); Private Collection; (add.info.: Image shows the beginnings of John Cooke's Royal Amphitheatre of Arts'. Cooke had bought the site, now Queen's Square, to stage his circuses, plays, operas and concerts. This eventually led to the construction of the Royal Court theatre. The Old Infirmary was demolished in 1842 to make way for St. George's Hall.); English, out of copyright

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