Evidence has been unearthed that suggests that Mr. Wain was a) pretty crazy throughout his life, and b) not really so much compelled to draw
cats in this style as he was trying to parody contemporary
art styles, from
Expressionism onward. (Apparently, he'd heard he was "sentimental and old-fashioned" once too often...) Coffee mugs with his work are available with
The Royal Hospital of St. Bethlehem stamped on the other side.
Sure don't look like owls to me....