1870 lolcats: harry pointer

thanks wikimedia commons (PD)

In the city of Brighton, England, during the 1870s, a jolly-looking photographer named Harry Pointer (1822-89) has been taking successful portrait and kitty photos.  Nothing special, but he does well enough for himself.  Then he realizes that cats are extra funny when they pose, say, on a little bicycle, or on rollerskates (see above); and then he tries out a caption or two.  People love them.  His cat snaps become a series of "The Brighton Cats."  And you may see a bunch of them here.  (Don't use the biographical link on that page - go here.)