My favorite kind of story: The renowned Bauer Pottery, which purchased and moved into another longtime ceramics factory, has discovered many old, original molds from now-defunct California ceramics companies among the stuff left behind. Now, they are beginning to reproduce some of these treasures. One of the first revived products: The Brayton-Laguna Pottery Cat — a statuesque mid century modern beauty that stands 16″ tall. I repeat, agog: Original tooling! Original mold! AND, I found out the name of the circa-1960 designer!
I predict this lovely feline will be a big hit — fantastic gift! — it makes quite the statement, the pricing is reasonable, and it has a fascinating provenance. Hey, the Guggenheim has even added this cool cat to their gift shop! Meow!
Many thanks to reader Katherine for this tip! Reader/tipsters, you rock my world!
Who designed this Brayton-Laguna Cat? Jack Chipman knows!
I did a little online research to learn more about Brayton-Laguna Pottery. I felt like this story from book author Jack Chipman was the most authoritative. Brayton-Laguna employed many artists to make their designs, and diving into the google rabbit hole, I could not find any info on exactly who designed this cubist cat. So I emailed the author of the story, Jack Chipman — who also is an expert on California pottery in the 20th Century and has an impressive number of books on the topic (affiliate link) — to see if he knew. And he responded right back! He wrote:
Hello Pam,
The designer of this cat (and a few other Brayton animals) was Letitia Ann Dowd.
I know little about her, but she was definitely ultra-modern in her ceramic design work.
Woot! Thank you, Jack!
Bauer Pottery says that the cat was introduced 1960. By that date, the Brayton-Laguna’s founders had died. So if the 1960 date is correct, this mid century modern cat was developed under newer leadership.
Update: Jack read this story and wrote back:
Pam,
….I believe this cat was issued a bit later than 1960.
Perhaps mid-1960’s…meaning a very short production.
Thanks again,
Jack
So there you go: A very short original production!
About Brayton-Laguna Pottery — a very historic ceramics company
Again, for more info about the history of Brayton-Laguna Pottery, I found California ceramics historian Jack Chipman’s article to be the go-to online primer.
The Brayton Laguna cat is available in five stock colors — white, black, orange, aqua, and pink — and Bauer is experimenting with even more. Which color is your favorite?
Link love:
- Get your own Brayton Laguna Cat — made from the original molds! — from Bauer Pottery
- Remember last year, when a Dishmaster supplier ‘discovered’ the original tooling for old Dishmaster faceplates, now available again.
- Acme Chrome Dinettes — made from decades-old tooling found hanging from the rafters
Trudi says
Ooooo I hope I find one in my Mother’s Day stocking!
Calif Phil says
I just ordered a Black cat from your link. Very Kool.
Janek says
Thank you Phil. I think you will. We are waiting to have boxes printed to offer the piece as a gift item. If you don’t mind waiting a week. Or we can probably ship today or tomorrow without the gift box..
calif Phil says
I am not in a hurry.
Roger Barton says
Unless they’re using different glazes from the original series, these will be virtually indistinguishable from the original, coming from the same mold and tooling. That would have a devastating effect on the value of originals in the hands of collectors.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Roger, overnight it was clarified in comments that there is a Bauer logo inside the base of the piece. I will add this photo to the story.
Jamek says
Hi Roger,
This is Janek from Bauer Pottery.
We are using different glazes. The five that are in production are all lead-free satin glazes.
The originals are all leaded shiny glazes. Pam also mentioned that we are adding our logo on the inside of the piece.
Wendellyn Plummer says
Actually, I like all the colors. However, if I had to pick one, it would be a toss up between the Aqua and the Orange.
Carolk says
While these kitties are adorable, I’m putting the cat vase I already have in my kitchen. I think one of my daughters gave it to me. In addition to that, it looks like several of our cats that have gone to the Bridge as well as our current tortie and Julia Child had a cat statue near her kitchen sink. My cat vase looks like Julia’s which memorialized her cat, Minette.
Additionally, these cats remind me of Jonathan Adler’s work. No wonder I love his work so much!
Lynne says
Been thinking about this…
While I think its great that these are being re-introduced, do you think it diminishes the value of the originals?
Also, how will one be be able to tell if they are buying an original early 1960’s cat, or a modern reissue?
Allison says
Reissues inevitably reduce the price of the originals.
People that enjoy these for their artistic merit and not so much for their collectible value will be happy with the reissues, reducing simultaneously the buyer pool and the price pressure for the originals.
Janek says
Bauer Pottery here. All of the new Brayton Cats have the name and logo of our company discreetly hidden at the base and on the inside of the piece.
Sheila says
The Bauer-produced version has a small Bauer logo on the inside of the piece, near the bottom so it should not be confused with an original.
Ann R Wittneben says
Was this cat ever manufactured with eyes? I have two smaller cats standing on their paws and with green eyes.
rhoda ciraolo says
All five different colors along a shelf would look awesome.
Katie says
Please let the cat out of the bag!
Where are these available — is the Guggenheim the only source?
Even to me, a dog person, this is one cool cat!
Pam Kueber says
Go the Bauer link — links are at the beginning and at the end of the story, bot. The cost is less from them as well.
Lynne says
Orange. No doubt, orange. Mother’s Day is coming up-right?? Any suggestions on giving out subtle hints?
Pam Kueber says
Hmmm…. good question! Maybe show family the story and say isn’t it so awesome that things like this are lost… then found!