Thomas Cooke

Thomas Cooke was a British optician and telescope maker who lived in the 19th century. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest telescope makers of his time, and his instruments were highly prized by astronomers and collectors. Cooke was born in York in 1801 and began his career as an apprentice to a local optician. He eventually set up his own workshop and became known for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. Cooke's telescopes were used by many prominent astronomers of the time, including Sir John Herschel. He died in 1875 at the age of 74.