Original art: drawing captioned JOHN BURNS, WHERE IS THERE ANOTHER DUST HEAD?

Cat Political Satire

Original art: drawing captioned JOHN BURNS, WHERE IS THERE ANOTHER DUST HEAD?

By Louis Wain

[circa 1889]

Signed political drawing depicting London County Council member (later MP) and trade unionist John Burns as a cat, standing in front of a wall of broadsides with such remarks as "Sale now on roaring trade of liberal titles" and "John Burns Batter-sees to that."

Fine.

Price: $2,500.00

Original art: drawing captioned JOHN BURNS, WHERE IS THERE ANOTHER DUST HEAD?

John Burns was a radical politician who started as a socialist activist, playing a leading role in the 1889 London Dock Strike. Based in Battersea, he joined the county council in 1889 (referenced in the signs behind his cat avatar here). In 1892, he was elected to Parliament. Pictured here is cat John Burns with a hat and pipe, carrying a shovel over his shoulder. In the background are various political posters, such as: "The pen is mightier than the spade"; "Don't work let others"; and "Sale now on roaring trade of liberal titles."
Known as "The Edwardian Cat Artist That Went Mad," Louis Wain was once "the most famous cat artist on earth" (Haining). His work in conceiving an entire Catland inspired the creators of Felix the Cat and even Mickey Mouse. In addition to the signature, the caption is in Wain's hand. Quite an early original drawing in Wain's career.

Read more: Haining, Cat Compendium: The Worlds of Louis Wain.

The Object

n.p. n.p, [circa 1889]. 12'' x 7.5''. Single folio featuring pen-and-ink drawing signed by Wain in lower left-hand corner above caption, "John Burns, where is there another dust head?". Notation in ink on verso of backing board: "John Burns / A Very Unpopular / Mayor of / Battersea."

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