The Cornwall Polytechnic Society records: 'The fifty-fifth annual Exhibition was opened on Tuesday, September 6th, at the Polytechnic Hall, Falmouth... After refering to the various departments of the Exhibition, he remarked, with regard to photography, which was in the charge of Mr Brooks, who took a great interest in the Society, that this department was in advance of previous years in portraiture; J Lafayette having an excellent portrait of the Countess of Londonderry, to which has been awarded a Silver medal.'