Louis Wain (British, 1860-1939) for Wilkinson's Royal Staffordshire Pottery: A Ceramic Model of The Laughing Cat circa 1929 Titled and with facsimile signature for Louis Wain (on the tail); printed factory marks (to the underside). height 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm.); width 4 in. (10.16 cm.); depth 4 1/2 in. (11.43 cm.) Footnotes: Provenance Christie's, South Kensington, Clarice Cliff and British Decorative Arts, 20 February 2005, Lot 56; Acquired by the current owner from the above. Louis Wain (British, 1860-1939) occupies a singular place in the history of British illustration, celebrated for his imaginative and deeply humanizing portrayals of cats. His anthropomorphic felines, depicted engaging in the rituals, occupations, and amusements of Victorian and Edwardian society, transformed the public perception of the domestic cat, elevating it from a largely utilitarian household animal to a beloved companion imbued with personality, wit, and charm. While his later works, characterized by increasingly vibrant colors and kaleidoscopic patterns, have often been associated with his declining mental health, they also reveal an artist of remarkable originality whose visual language remains instantly recognizable. The origins of Wain's lifelong fascination with cats can be traced to a profoundly personal chapter in his life. Shortly after his marriage to Emily Marie Richardson in 1884, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her illness, the couple found comfort in their kitten named Peter, whose playful antics Wain began sketching. Peter became both muse and companion, and Wain later affectionately referred to him as 'Peter the Great,' crediting the cat as the foundation of his artistic career. Reflecting on this formative relationship, Wain recalled, 'It was Peter who first suggested to my mind my fanciful cat creations... He has helped me to wipe out, once and for all, the contempt in which the cat has been held in this country... I have myself found, as the result of many years of inquiry and study, that all people who keep cats... are of the sweetest temperament.' (Brian Reade, Louis Wain, London, 1972, p. 5). Wain's first published cat illustrations appeared in The Illustrated London News in 1884, marking the beginning of a prolific career. His growing reputation soon led to commissions from leading publishers, including Macmillan. Wain's illustrations appeared on postcards, advertisements, books, and magazines, reaching an enormous audience in Britain and abroad. By the close of the nineteenth century, Wain's association with feline subjects had become so complete that, in 1890, he was elected President of the National Cat Club, a testament to both his popularity and his influence in shaping Britain's emerging culture of cat fancy. Although changing artistic tastes led to a decline in demand for his work during the later decades of his life, Wain remained an inventive and prolific artist. He was also an early pioneer of animation, creating one of the first projected cartoon films featuring a feline character named Pussyfoot. Today, Louis Wain's work is appreciated not only for its whimsical appeal but also for its lasting contribution to British illustration and popular culture. Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing