Chris Beetles Gallery is proud to present the world’s largest display of cat imagery, with original works from celebrated cat artists Louis Wain, Lesley Fotherby, Geraldine Girvan, Susan Herbert and Lesley Anne Ivory.

This unmissable exhibition features 87 works by Louis Wain (1860-1939), the inimitable Edwardian artist, who was described by H G Wells as inventing ‘a cat style, a cat society, a whole cat world’. The works represent all stages of his career and many of his most familiar types of image, from early narrative illustrations through classic characters made at the height of his fame to a major late psychedelic head. Particularly distinctive are 7 rare autograph letters, written from Louis Wain to the film producer, R J Minney in the 1920s and 30s.

Works by four of our gallery artists complement those by Louis Wain and demonstrate the strength of the continuing tradition of cat imagery.

Lesley Fotherby is second to none in capturing naturalistic cats in movement, the immediacy of her brush taking in each turn and twitch.

Geraldine Girvan considers these animals as beautifully patterned shapes, befitting her standing as a Scottish colourist.

Susan Herbert recasts much loved masterpieces of Western culture in feline form, so creating a unique and highly entertaining kind of surreal anthropomorphism.

Lesley Anne Ivory has perfected an extraordinary illusionism, recording cats in every hair and whisker, and placing them in harmony with complex decorative settings.

Chris Beetles’ expert knowledge of Louis Wain and other cat artists makes the show essential viewing for collectors and enthusiasts. His extensive monograph, Louis Wain’s Cats, published by Worth Press 2011, with over 330 colour plates, details the career and mental decline of the celebrated artist, who, at his most productive, painted 600 images of cats a year.

Chris Beetles Gallery

8 & 10 Ryder Street, St James's
London SW1Y 6QB United Kingdom
Ph. +44 (0)20 78397551
gallery@chrisbeetles.com
www.chrisbeetles.com

Opening hours

Monday - Saturday
From 10.00am to 5.30pm

Related images
  1. Louis Wain, White Cat and Daffodils
  2. Louis Wain, Little Miss Muffett
  3. Louis Wain, Two Naughty Crows
  4. Louis Wain, Ginger Cat
  5. Louis Wain, Christmas Card
  6. Louis Wain, The Lodging-House Landlady "I'm a poor lone woman"