[Tyler G]

I recently received an e-mail from a friend I made at a dinner party regarding ceramic cats. I am hoping someone here may be able to offer insight as to the origin of these cats, who made them and from what materials etc. Additionally if there were a way she could find them for sale. An excerpt of the email follows, she and I would be grateful if anyone can shed some light on the subject.


My sister and I independently (meaning we were not aware that we were both looking, until recently) have been searching for an exterior house decoration that we recall from our childhood. We would like to buy some cat (ceramics?) that people used to adorn their house with in the 1960's. They are quite kitschy on par with gnomes and pink flamingos. But, as child I just loved seeing those corny cat figures stuck on the sides of houses! Ask your folks if they remember them. I live in a 1950's ranch so they would look right at home.
We have looked on ebay, I looked at ceramic greenware and on internet in general & have come up with nothing. The closest thing I have found is this: from the UK. http://catsinyork.com/cat-directory/

The ones that are "climbing" are similar to what we are looking for. Have you seen any like it? Can you imagine how they could be made to be sturdy enough to stay outdoors in the elements (except maybe in winter?)

[Bruzbt]

[quote name='Tyler G' date='16 July 2012 - 05:10 PM' timestamp='1342487404' post='19441']
I recently received an e-mail from a friend I made at a dinner party regarding ceramic cats. I am hoping someone here may be able to offer insight as to the origin of these cats, who made them and from what materials etc. Additionally if there were a way she could find them for sale. An excerpt of the email follows, she and I would be grateful if anyone can shed some light on the subject.


My sister and I independently (meaning we were not aware that we were both looking, until recently) have been searching for an exterior house decoration that we recall from our childhood. We would like to buy some cat (ceramics?) that people used to adorn their house with in the 1960's. They are quite kitschy on par with gnomes and pink flamingos. But, as child I just loved seeing those corny cat figures stuck on the sides of houses! Ask your folks if they remember them. I live in a 1950's ranch so they would look right at home.
We have looked on ebay, I looked at ceramic greenware and on internet in general & have come up with nothing. The closest thing I have found is this: from the UK. http://catsinyork.com/cat-directory/

The ones that are "climbing" are similar to what we are looking for. Have you seen any like it? Can you imagine how they could be made to be sturdy enough to stay outdoors in the elements (except maybe in winter?)

I remember ceramics cats on houses from the 1950's. they were generally slinking across a roof. I have seen some that appeared to be climbing a wall but that never looked like something a real cat would or could do. They were slip cast, generally glazed solid black or white. As I remember they were long haired with "fur" texture.

[Matt Oz]

I did a Google image search for climbing cats, I think this is what you are looking for, they are Camark cats made by Camark Pottery.




Here is a blogger who did research on it....Those climbing cats

[nancylee]

The ones I remember were earthenware and not glazed, stuck to the brick walls! I dont know where you can find them though!

[Mel21]

Hi there. Have you tried www.winstanleycats.uk.com - I visited the pottery just recently in North Walsham near Cromer, UK. They post internationally and have a long established reputation going back to the 60's. Hope this is of help - do look at their website, it's fab.

Best wishes,

Mel