Qube Gallery’s eagerly anticipated exhibition, ‘Louis Wain: The Man Who Drew Cats’ opens on 6th May.
This exciting touring exhibition on loan from Bethlem Museum of the Mind tells the fascinating story of Louis Wain (1860 – 1939), an internationally acclaimed artist, through a selection of his original drawings and paintings.
Born in London, Wain began drawing humorous pictures of his cat to entertain his wife, Emily, who was seriously ill. She encouraged him to start selling his pictures and they began to appear in children’s books, magazines, newspapers and in the artists own annuals, published 1901 – 1921.
Demand for Wain’s drawings diminished during World War 1 leaving him increasingly impoverished. Eventually he was committed to a pauper’s ward in a mental hospital until he was recognised by a hospital worker. A public appeal and support from the Prime Minister meant he was transferred to a private room at Bethlem Royal Hospital and then to Napsbury, where he was able to continue drawing his beloved cats.
Arts Officer at Qube, Charlotte Jackson, said they have been very excited about this high quality exhibition for a long time. She said, “While popular in his time, Wain is not very well known today, although I'm sure many people will recognise his work, which we are really looking forward to bringing to new audiences. “
She added; “Although Wain faced many struggles throughout his life, drawing always provided him with a sense of comfort, both for him and those close to him.”
Louis Wain: The Man Who Drew Cats exhibition runs at Qube Gallery until 12th June, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday, 9.30am to 12.30pm. For further details please contact Qube 01691 656882 or email info@qube-oca.org.uk.
