In the 1870s, a Brighton photographer named Harry Pointer (1822-1889) embarked on a unique photographic project: capturing amusing images of his pet cats. These weren’t just ordinary cat pictures. Pointer staged his feline subjects in various poses and scenarios, often mimicking human activities, turning them into humorous and charming scenes. His work, collectively known as “The Brighton Cats,” became a popular form of greeting card and a testament to his creativity.
Pointer initially started with more traditional cat photography. He photographed his cats in typical feline poses: resting, drinking milk, or sleeping in baskets. These early photos were likely similar to other pet portraits of the time. However, around 1870, Pointer’s work took a decidedly different turn.
He began to specialize in staging his cats in unusual and often comical situations. He arranged them in poses that mimicked human actions. This set his work apart and made it instantly recognizable.
Some of his most famous photos feature cats “riding” tricycles, “roller-skating,” and even “taking photographs” with a camera. These scenes were carefully constructed, using props and gentle posing to create the illusion of these human-like activities.
The idea of cats engaging in human activities was inherently humorous. This appealed to a wide audience and contributed to the popularity of Pointer’s work. The photos were lighthearted and entertaining.
Pointer quickly understood that a simple photograph could be made even more appealing with the addition of a caption. He began adding written greetings to his photos, such as “A Happy New Year” or “Very many happy returns of the day.”
By 1872, just two years after he began focusing on these staged cat photos, Harry Pointer had already created over one hundred different captioned images. This shows his dedication and the quick growth of his project.
The series became known as “The Brighton Cats,” reflecting Pointer’s location. This title gave the series a distinct identity and helped to establish it as a recognizable brand.
