George Smart

Hello I've come here for some advice. I bought this unusual cat recently and was wondering if anyone knows anything about it? The paper on the back has the name George Smart.

 

Did you see this?

https://georgesmartfrant.wordpress.com/new-discoveries/

 

funny, those are the same pictures......
Good find SIS.......
but what's going on here..?
certainly the best information is already provided by the author of the book..!

 

Do I have to contact the author...?

 

I think komokwa is asking why the photos in the link are the same as yours. Perhaps they are from the seller you acquired this from.



"A unique Cat Dummyboard
An exciting new discovery has happened in the Midlands. A unique cat dummyboard was found at a “junk auction” and bought for just £1. This really is a great discovery as it adds to the early history of George Smart and in particular the story around our Man of Frant describing himself on early trade labels as a Cat Manufacturer. The head of this cat is covered in Smart’s usual delicately ribbed fabric/velvet, a red fabric tongue (same material as the Goosewoman’s coat?), some bristling whiskers and eyebrows, and the eyes have shiny foil to catch the light and flash at their owner. And don’t forget those two sharp little teeth!



Truly remarkable is the condition of the label on the reverse which finally reveals the full extent of the verse and design previously glimpsed on the other two cat dummyboards mentioned above.


It means the gaps and blanks can be filled in and here it is in full at last:

Recommendation
Written on the back of one of
GEORGE SMART’s CURIOUS CATS.

THIS Cat, the curious workmanship of Smart,
Exhibits Nature well portray’d by Art.
And if to Frant, near Tunbridge Wells, you send
For such a Cat, (which I would recommend,)
You’ll please the Man,– –whose Merits you behold,
And who to Royal Patrons Cats has sold.
Encourag’d by the liberal, who knows
What marks of genius he may yet disclose?
If aught in physiognomy be true,
The World in time produc’d by him shall view
Some greater work than this, though ably w[rought?]
Which to encourage Industy I bought.
To Ingenuity confess the claim
Of him whose Talents Smart describe his Name
And handsomely reward him for the same.

KNOWLE,
August 24, 1816. S. JONES

The only word now yet to be revealed is on the end of the 11th line, but given the simple rhyming scheme, the word can be guessed to be “wrought”. It reveals too the full line “And who to Royal Patrons Cats has sold.”, which suggests the Duke of Sussex purchased from Smart before the date of this label (1816) which is earlier than previously thought.

What a Curious Cat indeed… It is utterly beguiling and charming."

 

If you select various tabs on that link page there is info on George Smart and additional works.

Here is a link to an auction where a pair by him was sold for £2,600

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/26965664_george-smart-of-frant-d-1846-mr-bright-the

 

So I guess you're looking at this George Smart:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Smart_(tailor)

It does seem to say Tunbridge Wells right at the bottom of that text.

 

If these are not your photo's, where did you get them from and why are you not showing the cat in your possession...?
If you bought it from the person who's photo's they are....certainly they would have given you all this information , that they already knew about...as it's out there for anyone with a computer...who can type George Smart...

Unless, maybe ...the owner died and the kids thought this was some sort of junk...

but still....where did you get these photo's you've used.....???

This is very confusing to me....

 

Gosh, I've just read the replies and clicked on the link. I am the person he mentions who bought it for £1 - last week! I did email his website! I will take another photo as proof I own Lolita...

 

My cat...

 

I don't think you need to prove anything I think it was just a little confusing.

I've never heard of George Smart before so it's very interesting to learn a little about him. It looks like you have a very nice find!

 

Thank you.

 

A very nice find !!

And now , what you've said makes sense....& it looks like the author thinks highly of your find too !!!

 

It looks like you now have enough info to sell it properly.....finding the right venue should not be a problem.......

Sorry if I sounded gruff.....but i was just confused about your situation..

 

Please always do this for all your photos...always.
-

 

Will do, thank you