Style Imitating Art: Cats Golfing by Louis Wain & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #305

December 13, 2022 / 32 Comments

About Style Imitating Art

Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Terri of MeadowTree Style, and Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday, one of the hosts, acting as curator, selects an inspiration image that they will each post on their blogs. The following Monday, each host shares her art inspired outfit. Participants are invited to submit their art inspired outfits to the curator by 10:00 p.m. EST on the Tuesday following the hosts’ art inspired outfit posts. The following day, Wednesday, the curator will share all of the submissions on her blog.

You don’t have to be a blogger to join! You are invited to share your images on Instagram or other social media platforms. Just be sure to tag Salazar, Terri, and Shelbee or use #TeamLOTSStyle and #StyleImitatingArt so the hosts know you have joined. Go have some fun in your closets and join the SIA challenge next week!

The Inspiration Artwork

The inspiration artwork was chosen by Salazar. You can read why she picked this work here.

Cats Golfing by Louis Wain
About the Artist: Louis Wain

Louis William Wain was an English artist born on August 5, 1860, in Clerkenwell, London, to his French mother, Julie Felicite Boiteux, and English father, William Matthew Wain, a textile trader and embroider. Louis was the first of their six children and their only son. None of his five younger sisters ever married. His sister Marie was committed to an insane asylum in 1901 at the age of 34 where she died twelve years later. The other four sisters, Caroline, Josephine, Claire, and Felicie, lived at home with their mother for the duration of their lives.

Wain was born with a cleft lip which resulted in doctors telling his parents that he should not be sent to school or educated until he was 10 years old. (What a weird thing to recommend.) Because he was often truant from school during his youth, Wain would wander the streets of London. He went on to study at the West London School of Art, eventually becoming an instructor there for a short time. When his father died in 1880, twenty year old Wain became responsible for supporting his widowed mother and his five sisters. He left home in 1881 and rented a furnished room for himself where his first published drawing, Bullfinches on Laurel Bushes, came to life.

Soon after this illustration was published in Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, Wain resigned from his teaching position to pursue a freelance career where he experienced great success. Producing illustrations for sporting journals, Wain earliest works focused on animals and country scenes. Throughout the 1880s, Wain’s drawings included detailed English country houses and estates as well as the livestock he was commissioned to draw at agricultural shows. His affinity for drawing a wide variety of animals manifested early and remained a prominent feature in his work throughout his entire career. At one point in his career, Wain had hopes of making a living by drawing dog portraits.

At 23 years old, Wain married his sisters’ governess, 33 year old Emily Richardson, and the couple moved to Hampstead in north London. Shortly after their marriage, Emily was diagnosed with breast cancer and died three years later. The subject of his wife’s illness and death would come to define his entire career.

During Emily’s illness, she found comfort in the couple’s pet cat Peter, a black and white stray kitten they had rescued one rainy night. Wain drew many sketches of Peter because they pleased his wife and lifted her spirits. She encouraged her husband to have his Peter sketches published which didn’t happen until after her death. Wain has written of Peter, “To him, properly, belongs the foundation of my career, the developments of my initial efforts, and the establishing of my work.” Peter is featured in many of Wain’s early published works.

In 1886, Wain produced his first drawing of anthropomorphized cats in A Kitten’s Christmas Party which was published in the Christmas issue of the Illustrated London News. The illustration depicted 150 cats, many which resembled Peter, engaged in a variety of human activities like holding a ball, playing games, and making speeches. The work spread across eleven panels but the cats were unclothed and remained on all fours. Wain’s cats took on more and more human characteristics in his later works, standing on two legs while donning clothing and human facial expressions.

Very shortly after the success of A Kitten’s Christmas Party, Emily died on January 2, 1887, which sent Wain into a deep depression. Cats soon became an obsession for him as he sunk deeper into depression after the deaths of his cat Peter and his sister Marie.

Despite his downward spiral into mental illness, the next 30 years proved to be the most prolific for Wain. During this time he produced several hundred drawings per year, illustrated 100 children’s books, and acted as chairman of the National Cat Club. Wain’s cat illustrations became so popular in England that most homes had at least one of his famous images on display throughout the beginning of the twentieth century.

Wain speculatively suffered from schizophrenia in his later life. By 1924, his behavior had become so erratic and often violent that his sisters had him committed to the pauper ward at Springfield Mental Hospital. When he was discovered there a year later by the public, the Prime Minister intervened and had him transferred to Bethlem Royal Hospital, a better facility. In 1930, he was transferred to Napsbury Hospital where he spent his final years peacefully in the garden with a colony of cats. Wain died on July 4, 1939, at the age of 78. His final resting place is his father’s grave at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kensal Green, London.

About the Art: Cats Golfing

Wain’s Cats Golfing is a series of four illustrations featuring four cats, two playing golf and two as their caddies, with two mice assisting, cheering them on, and seemingly getting in the way as well. The cats are depicted in a light manner which is probably the only way one could illustrate felines playing a human game. Their golf attire is reflective of golfing costumes from the era and their faces express all sorts of realistic human emotions that we might witness in a competitive game of golf.

I cannot dig up any other information about this particular series of illustrations. We know it was created after his 1886 illustration, A Kitten’s Christmas Party, his first depiction of anthropomorphized cats.

Resources/References:
About My Outfit Inspired by Cats Golfing

The first things that caught my attention were the cats’ orange berets and the cream colored spats (or are they gaiters?) on the golfer cat in knickers. I have an orange beret and I have cream colored boots with that same V-shape cut out as the spats so that’s where I started…from the top and bottom and built my outfit inward. I chose a plaid mini skirt in tans because it was the closest I had to reflect the skirt/kilt on the second golfer cat.

Since all four cats are wearing waistcoats, I really wanted to incorporate one into my outfit. I have only one waistcoat and fortunately it is in the right color palette of orange, black, and white. It has a bird and fish print on it which I thought was perfect because golfing cats might enjoy a feast of fish and birds when they finish their golf game!

I added a lighter rust colored turtleneck under my too tight waistcoat and a black lace skirt extender to ensure my bum was properly covered under this very short skirt. Orange tights, bold black and gold jewelry, and black accessories complete my look. I wasn’t sure I liked the darkness of my black blazer but it’s the one that worked best with this outfit. Once I saw the photos though, I loved the whole look and the black speaks to all the black outlines in the illustration. I topped it all off with a coordinating rust colored coat.

We took these photos in one part of Thompson Park, completely forgetting that there is a golf course conveniently located on the other side of the park. By the time we remembered, I was already on outfit number three for our photo taking marathon this weekend. It was cold and snowing and I was running short on time and energy by that time. Otherwise I may have put the whole thing back on for a whole new set of golf course photos. Perhaps the next time a golf theme makes its way to me, I will remember the golf course!

That is it for this week’s Style Imitating Art look. So how do you think I did with this challenge? I hope you enjoyed it and feel inspired yourself! 

Be sure to check out Salazar’s interpretation of the painting as well as Terri’s take on it. If you would like to participate in this challenge and have your photo included in Salazar’s round up post on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, be sure to email your photos to her by Tuesday, December 15, 2022, by 10:00 p.m. EST. I am excited to see what you all style! 

This concludes Style Imitating Art for 2022! Join us again next year after we take a short holiday break. Happy Holidays!

And now it’s time for spreading some kindness through a link up which will also conclude my Tuesday #SpreadTheKindness Link Party. I am going to merge it into my Friday Link Up On the Edge because I just can’t keep up with the posting schedule anymore. Beginning next week, I will host one weekly link party on Fridays only. I want you to know that I appreciate you all so much and all of the support you have shown me by visiting my blog, leaving comments, and joining my parties and other silly challenges! I hope you have a blessed holiday season.

Featured Favorites
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You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Joining with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Outfit Details: Blazer-Gap / Vest-Casual Corner (Thrifted) / Coat and Turtleneck-Target / Skirt-Charlotte Russe / Tights-Sock Dreams / Boots-ShoeDazzle / Belt-Torrid / Gloves-Amazon / Necklace-Chico’s / Earrings and Skirt Extender-Old / Beret-Wona Trading

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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32 Comments

  • Anne M Bray

    December 13, 2022 at 10:13 am Reply

    You score a hole in one! That is an amazing combo.
    The historical info on Louis Wain is fascinating. Thank you for sharing your research!
    His illustrations are full of such whimsy.

    And wow! A feature! Thanks!
    Those plaid leggings and devil Fluevogs have gone to three different social occasions. Or is it four? Losing count! Will link the latest IG silliness. Should write a blog post about them. But gotta work up my Barbiecore© post first! (Still laughing over the fact that Barbiecore© is a registered Mattel trademark. Sheesh. Will they sue us?)

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 13, 2022 at 10:18 am Reply

      Hahahahaha, thanks so much, my punny friend! Louis Wain really is fascinating and I really want to watch that film. I am home with a sick kid this week, so maybe I will fit in some movie time for myself. I keep forgetting about the registered trademark and have not been using the copyright symbol. Oooops. I hope I don’t get sued! And now that we have this conversation in a public forum on the internet, I suppose I could never claim ignorance either!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 14, 2022 at 6:24 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Terri! The orange I see is a very reddish orange, so I can see why you went with red! I loved the outfit you created for this one, probably because red, white, and blue is one of my all time favorite color combinations. That’s the fun of these series…we get to decide what we see and how we interpret it. And if you want to see red, you go right ahead and see red! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marsha Banks

    December 13, 2022 at 11:10 pm Reply

    You know…as soon as I saw these prints, I thought, “I cannot wait to see what Shelbee does!” And, you did not disappoint, my friend! I love the little plaid skirt and the beret! At first, I thought it was a kitty hat until I saw some closer shots! Then, I noticed the waistcoat and wondered why fish? But, I should have known there would be a perfectly perfect explanation! I love all this color!

    Such a sad story for this artist. I don’t wish schizophrenia on anyone. My aunt had it, and her life was miserable. But, to end on a high note, I do love this whimsical cats!

    Thanks for the link party! Come visit on Thursday!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 14, 2022 at 6:20 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Marsha! I had a lot of fun with this one! I wanted to bring something more catty into this look but I surprisingly don’t have very many things with cats on them. Even though cats are one of top five favorite animals! I have a really cute pair of cat tights but the orange worked better. And I have an adorable cat sweater which wasn’t fitting the vibe I was going for. I think I also have a tiny delicate cat necklace but I didn’t even bother to look for it!

      I started watching the film last night and have about 30 minutes to finish today. But it is really, really good. I highly recommend it! I am also intrigued by the manner in which we handled mental illness back then. What a freaking nightmare for the patients.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Gail

    December 14, 2022 at 2:35 am Reply

    I love cats so was enchanted by this artwork! Great interpretation with the orange tights and waistcoat. And another pair of fabulous boots!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 14, 2022 at 6:15 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Gail! I also love cats. They are very regal and spiritual to me. And Louis Wain is partly responsible for changing our attitudes about cats. I started watching the film about him last night and it is really good. I have about 30 minutes to finish today. I think you would enjoy it! It is free with Amazon Prime.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    December 14, 2022 at 10:56 am Reply

    You shot an under par round on this one. Looking very sweet and you nailed. Always love how you tell the history of the art. Very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.

  • Sally in St Paul

    December 14, 2022 at 12:09 pm Reply

    What a completely delightful outfit you’ve put together here! The boots in the same shape as the cats’ spats (not words I ever expected to put together), the hilariously spot-on “animals cats eat” waistcoat, the orange tights…every detail is wonderful. So fun to see you rocking this short skirt, too.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 15, 2022 at 12:05 pm Reply

      Oh my gosh, Sally, your comment just had me cracking up! But seriously, aren’t the boots exactly like the cat’s spats?! Your name for my waistcoat is brilliant…I wonder of the catalog described it as “The Animals Cats Eat Waistcoat is the perfect wardrobe completer piece for any woman on the prowl.” Hahaha

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 15, 2022 at 12:01 pm Reply

      Thank you, Lizzie! I felt really playful in this look! But I really don’t have anywhere to go where I would wear this outfit. So this is definitely just a playing dress up kind of post. But playing dress up is one of my favorite hobbies so I will keep on doing it!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Anita Ojeda

    December 14, 2022 at 6:58 pm Reply

    I LOVE your outfit! I want you to know I bought a pair of cantaloupe colored pants–not just because they were on sale, but because of your blog ;). I NEVER buy or wear really bright colors, but I found a cute plaid blouse they paired perfectly with. Even my students commented on my ‘orange pants.’ I felt so adventuresome.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 15, 2022 at 11:53 am Reply

      Oh my goodness, Anita, I love this so much! Thank you for sharing this with me. I honestly love wearing black and gray and darker colors, too, but sometimes a big burst of bright bold color is just what the doctor ordered, isn’t it?! You saw it with your own eyes how a glance at a happy color can change moods in an instant! I am so glad that you took the chance on your adventuresome orange pants!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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