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 CAT Breeds Lovely HUGE 1880s Print by Harrison Weir $49.95 Time Remaining: 29d 10h 43m Buy It Now for only: $49.95 |
 Sagacity of a SPARROW by Harrison Weir Original Bookplate from 1881 Chatterbox $7.99 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 19m |
 HORSE Sale Carriage HUGE 1880s Harrison Weir Print $24.95 Time Remaining: 29d 3h 1m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 SHEEP Loose in London HUGE 1880s Harrison Weir Print $24.95 Time Remaining: 28d 23h 14m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 HORSE Pony Prize Winning Champions by Harrison Weir 1860s Engraving Print $39.99 Time Remaining: 29d 4h 15m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 HORSE Prize Winning Hunters Riding Harrison Weir Antique 1860s Engraving Print $39.99 Time Remaining: 29d 3h 4m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 HORSE Draft Mares Foals Cattle Champions Harrison Weir 1850s Engraving Print $39.99 Time Remaining: 29d 3h 36m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 BIRD Kingfisher Haunt by Harrison Weir HUGE Antique COLOR Print 1860s $49.95 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 11m Buy It Now for only: $49.95 |
 PHEASANT BIRD WITH BABY PHEASANTS LITHO ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $24.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 53m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 1872 Harrison Weir ANTIQUE NEWFOUNDLAND Dog Print Matted ORIGINAL Not a Reprint $16.99 Time Remaining: 28d 20h 15m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 Swans Nesting Hand color by Harrison Weir antique engraving original 1875 $18.85 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 13m Buy It Now for only: $18.85 |
 1872 Harrison Weir ANTIQUE SAINT BERNARD Dog Print Matted ORIGINAL Not a Reprint $16.99 Time Remaining: 28d 20h 15m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 Greyhounds Coursing Hare Hiding by Harrison Weir matted original 1897 $22.50 Time Remaining: 22d 20h 12m Buy It Now for only: $22.50 |
 Pet Lop Eared Rabbit by Harrison Weir antique engraving original 1885 $14.50 Time Remaining: 29d 11h 5m Buy It Now for only: $14.50 |
 BABY DONKEY 1877 Harrison Weir Color Lithograph $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 35m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Fox Eying Rabbits 1877 Harrison Weir Color Lithograph $9.50 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 29m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 1882 Victorian Chromo Print Sad Cold Donkey Ducks by artist Harrison Weir $18.00 Time Remaining: 16d 8h 12m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 |
 19th Century Book Engraving Running Mom Kids Mountain Goats artist Harrison Weir $12.99 Time Remaining: 17d 18h 4m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 1872 Harrison Weir ANTIQUE NEWFOUNDLAND Dog Print Matted ORIGINAL Not a Reprint $16.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 32m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 Frogs Eel a Fable by Harrison Weir antique engraving original 1877 $10.00 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 6m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 |
 1872 Harrison Weir ANTIQUE NEWFOUNDLAND Dog Print Matted ORIGINAL Not Reprint $16.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 CALF 1877 Harrison Weir Color Lithograph $9.50 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 19m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 PIGEONS PIGEON BIRDS LITHO ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $34.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 52m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 GUINEA PIGS EATING CARROTS PETS ANIMALS ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $34.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 47m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 SEALS 1877 Harrison Weir Color Lithograph $10.99 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 5m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 1882 engraving minto dog frightening pig harrison weir $29.99 Time Remaining: 14d 8h 45m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 HARRISON WEIR DOG ROOSTER POULTRY CHICKEN SAGACIOUS DOG $32.00 Time Remaining: 9d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 OWLS FLYING UNDER MOONLIGHT OWL WILDLIFE ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $34.99 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 47m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 |
 1872 Harrison Weir ANTIQUE POINTERS Dog Art Print Matted ORIGINAL Not a Reprint $16.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 33m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 CUCKOO BIRD WILDLIFE BIRDS LITHO ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $24.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 52m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 SHEEP FLOCK LAMBS IN MEADOW WITH FLOWERS ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $34.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 53m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 CHICKEN HEN BABY CHICKS POULTRY BIRDS ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $34.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 52m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 COW CATTLE 1877 Harrison Weir Color Lithograph $11.99 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 13m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 COW WITH CALF CATTLE FARM ANIMALS ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $34.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 47m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 HARRISON WEIR BIRDS ENGRAVING ROBINS NEST IN SHOE BIRDS $32.00 Time Remaining: 23d 12h 59m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 NANNY GOAT DOW WITH KID GOATS ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $34.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 47m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 HARRISON WEIR DOGS SNOB IN CHURCH 1881 ENGRAVING DOG $32.00 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 37m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 DUCKS BIRDS EIDER DUCKS BY HARRISON WEIR ANTIQUE PRINT $32.00 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 31m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 DONKEY WITH FOAL IN MEADOW EQUINE HORSE ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $34.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 47m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 PIGS HOGS PIG WITH PIGLETS FARM ANIMALS ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $34.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 53m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 HARRISON WEIR DOGS A FAITHFUL DOG CHATTERBOX ENGRAVING $32.00 Time Remaining: 9d 7h 38m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 1882 b engraving horse with dog harrison weir $29.99 Time Remaining: 14d 9h 49m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 1882 engraving the robins harrison weir $29.99 Time Remaining: 14d 8h 44m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 1882 engraving fox chasing dog harrison weir $29.99 Time Remaining: 14d 8h 46m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 CAT AND BLACKBIRD BY HARRISON WEIR ANTIQUE ENGRAVING $32.00 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 38m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 HARRISON WEIR DOGS THE DOG HIGHWAY ROBBER ANTIQUE PRINT $32.00 Time Remaining: 9d 7h 49m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 TURKEY BIRD WITH YOUNG POULTRY BIRDS ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $24.99 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 53m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 POLAR BEAR AND CUB BY HARRISON WEIR ANTIQUE ENGRAVING $32.00 Time Remaining: 28d 10h 18m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 HORSES OLD FRIENDS BY HARRISON WEIR ANTIQUE ENGRAVING $32.00 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 25m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 PARTRIDGE BIRD WITH HER YOUNG LITHO ANTIQUE PRINT 1870 by HARRISON WEIR $24.95 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 52m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 HARRISON WEIR DOG POULTRY ROVER AND CHICKS 1881 ANTIQUE $32.00 Time Remaining: 28d 10h 18m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 Harrison Weir WANDERER RETURNS HOME 1867 CAT Art Matted $28.00 Time Remaining: 16d 19h 49m Buy It Now for only: $28.00 |
Harrison Weir
History of British Cat Shows from 1871 and Funny Cat Art by Louis Wain 1860-1939
Imbued in English culture is a love of animals of all kinds. British Cat Breeds have been bred over the centuries and shown at Cat shows up and down the British Isles. The very first 'official' cat show was held at the Crystal Palace in London on 13th July 1871, the first 'show manager' was Harrison Weir the well known artist and writer. The show was held on a Thursday not the familiar Saturday we know today. There were 25 classes for Eastern and other Foreign breeds as well as British breeds.
Louis Wain 1860-1939 the anthropomorphic artist had a vision of the cat world, which soon brought him fame and as a result of his popularity and love of cats he was elected President of the British National Cat Club in 1891.
Please click here for Louis Wain 1860-1939 Funny Kittens on Art prints.
Shows had to be abandoned during the years of the First and Second World Wars so the National Cat Club's Centenary Show was held in December 1996.
When The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy was founded by the Cat Clubs in 1910 there were 16 cat clubs represented, including one - Wilson's Ltd. Cat Club - which seems to have been something of a business venture; not surprisingly it does not appear to have survived for very long. The first GCCF Stud Book lists winners from shows held from 1910 to 1912. The Longhairs appeared in black, white, blue, red or orange, cream, smoke, silver tabby, brown tabby, red tabby, Chinchillas, tortoiseshell and tortie and white. The British Shorthairs were represented by most of the same colours and patterns except red, smoke, Chinchilla and tortoiseshell. The other breeds were Abyssinians, Siamese and Manx. Today the number of breeds and colours have increased tremendously.
Conditions at cat shows have improved over the years, the cats are no longer penned on straw, the judges and stewards all wear white coats and hygiene is very much more evident. Judges now use trolleys on which to place the cats for judging and these can be wheeled from pen to pen but thirty years ago the stewards had to struggle with a card table moving it from pen to pen for the judge - this needed real stamina!
Important events have been celebrated with special shows, in 1953 The Coronation Cat Show was held at The Royal Horticultural Society's New Hall in Westminster. A quick glance at the first page of the catalogue tells us that one of the veterinary surgeons in attendance was Mrs Muriel Calder who was, until recently, our GCCF Veterinary Officer and was our Vice-President; surely an honour for a youthful Vet.
Sadly none of the judges are still alive but there are a few familiar names in the list of exhibitors. 388 cats attended the show and the catalogue cover pictures 'the cat that came to London to see the Queen'
1976 saw a new Cat Show enter the calendar, the Supreme Cat Show. The show was organised by the GCCF and all the cats had to qualify by winning open classes at other Championship Shows. Today the Supreme has developed into a large and prestigious show and is held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham each November. A new method of judging was introduced - Ring Judging - all the cats are taken from their brilliantly decorated pens to the judging rings where the judges sit facing the public to judge the cats and often give a commentary on their judging. This show produces the country's top prize winners, the Supreme title holders.
Please visit my Funny Animal Art Prints Collection @ http://www.fabprints.com
My other website is called Directory of British Icons: http://fabprints.webs.com
The Chinese call Britain 'The Island of Hero's' which I think sums up what we British are all about. We British are inquisitive and competitive and are always looking over the horizon to the next adventure and discovery.
Copyright © 2010 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author
My family tree has been traced back to the early Kings of England from the 7th Century AD. I am also a direct descendent of Sir Christopher Wren which has given me an interest in English History which is great fun to research.
I have recently decided to write articles on my favourite subjects: English Sports, English History, English Icons, English Discoveries and English Inventions. At present I have written over 100 articles which I call "An Englishman's Favourite Bits Of England" in various Volumes. Please visit my fun Blogs page http://Bloggs.Resourcez.Com where I have listed all my fun articles to date.
Copyright © 2010 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.
ROCK GUITAR BATTLE OF THE CENTURY REVIVED!!!!!!!! (ROUND 3)?
Mark Knopfler vs Tom Morello (2 to 5)
Carlos Santana vs Steve Vai (5 to 2)
Joe Satriani vs Mick Jones (3 to 4)
Tony Iommi vs Neil Schon (6 to 1)
Van Halen vs Brian May (5 to 3)
Iron Maiden Guy vs Hammett (4 to 3)
George Harrison vs Randy Rhodes (4 to 3)
Jimi Hendrix vs Zakk Wylde (5 to 2) (No contest)
Robby Krieger vs Rory Gallagher (3 to 4)
Jimmy Page vs Alex Lifeson (3 to 4)
Mick Mars vs Jimmy McCullough vs Stevie Ray Vaghn (0 to 0 to 7, lol)
Gary Moore vs Ted Nugent (2 to 5)
Eric Clapton vs Johnny Ramone (6 to 1) (Thank you!)
Lou Reed vs Richie Sambora (3 to 3)
Mick Taylor vs George Thororgood (5 to 3)
Bob Weir vs Angus Young (3 to 4) (WOW, close one!)
THE NEXT TIER BEGINS NOW!!!!!
Tom Morrello vs Carlos Santana
Mick Jones vs Tony Iommi
Van Halen vs Iron Maiden Guy
George Harrison vs Jimi Hendrix
Roy Gallagher vs Alex Liveson
Stevie Ray Vaghn vs Ted Nugent
Eric Clapton vs Lou Reed vs Richie Sambora
Mick Taylor vs Angus Young
Hendrix, Nugent, Reed, Young, Jones, Santana.
Harrison's Weir