‘Thomas Cheap’ – of the Honourable East India Company: Although of humble birth ‘Cheap’, through ‘trade’, has amassed a very considerable fortune. He aspires to ‘gentility’ and craves to be accepted by his social ‘betters’ – the Gentry and Nobility – and is often to be seen in their company. He is tolerated, due to his great wealth, but is not really accepted as he will, forever, be looked upon as being ‘in trade’. Having recently been elected a member of the ‘Court of Directors’ of the East India Company Cheap hopes that this advance will improve his standing in Society.
The presentation is suitable for an interior location and is complemented by clothing, ‘props’, and furniture befitting a wealthy merchant in the period 1770 – 1790.