Lady Aberconway's Cat

This striking image is by CECIL BEATON (1904-1980) of Lady Aberconway's cat, Antonia, Bodnant, 1950. It was up for auction at Christies a few years ago.

And here is about about the lady herself -- a rather fascinating women, she was friends with many famous people of her time including Hugh Walpole, Clive Bell, Virginia Woolf, and King George.

Vintage Garden Kittens

HARRY WHITTIER FREES (1879–1953) was an American photographer who used his photographs of posed animals to create novelty postcards and children's stories. This collection dates back as far as 1914.

He said of his work: "These unusual photographs of real animals were made possible only by patient, unfailing kindness on the part of the photographer at all times. Speed is essential in securing these pictures, but very often it is impossible to be quick enough." He reportedly had to discard over 2/3 of the film he shot.

On his live animal subjects, he wrote, "the kitten is the most versatile animal actor, and possesses the greatest variety of appeal." We are sure you‘ll agree that the garden kittens are especially enchanting.

Back-in-the-day with Behnke Cats

Stephanie Fleming of Behnke Nurseries in Beltsville, MD, shared these vintage photos of cats at her family-owned garden center. She wrote, "All of these were with Albert and Rose Behnke's children on the Beltsville, MD, property. Most of where they are standing is around is where the garden shop is located today"

If any of you know the Route 1 area near the University of Maryland, you will be amazed at the changes and development happening there now. These cats and kids speak to a simpler time.

Friendly Cat

Mrs Jean Friend and cat in a garden. Taken in 1939 in Beverly, NSW, Australia.

From the State Library of New South Wales collection - flickr.com/commons.