Early Birmans in England

The Birman first arrived in England in 1965.  Birmans were imported into England by Mrs. Elsie Fisher, an established Siamese breeder, together with Mrs. Margaret Richards.  They had first seen The Sacred Cats of Burma while visiting the Paris Cat Show.  Initially, the ladies worked together under the cattery prefix, "Paranjoti."

They imported a seal point male, Ch Nouky De Mon Reve, owned by Madame Poirier (bred by Madame Grenet).  The ladies also imported two blue point females, Ch Osaka De Lugh, bred by Madame Droisier of Paris, and Orlamonde De Khlaramour, bred by Madame Moulin of Nice, France.  The male went to live with Mrs. Richards, while the females went to live with Mrs. Fisher.  Osaka, having the best markings and eye color, did well in the showhall and quickly became a Champion.

Orlamonde turned out to be the better mother, however, and in July of 1966, the first Birman litter born in England was born to Nouky and Orlamonde.  There were five males (four blue point and one seal point) and three females, all seal points.  Mrs. Richards kept one female, Paranjoti Isolde, and Mrs. Fisher kept another female, Paranjoti Chimea.

Subsequently, two more males were imported, a seal point, Ch Pipo Du Clos Fleuri (bred by Madame Surcel of France) and a blue point, Ghandi Von Assindia bred by Frau Annaliese Hackmann of Germany.  The partnership between Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Richards was discontinued at this time, and Mrs. Fisher reverted to her cattery prefix, "Praha."  These early imports formed the foundation of Praha Birmans, and the contributions made by Elsie Fisher to the development of the Birman breed are immeasurable.

Betty Brown of "Smokeyhill" cattery founded her Birmans with a blue point female out of Nouky and Orlamonde, Ch Paranjoti Kimsallie.  In 1970, Miss Brown imported into England another male from Frau Hackmann, Ch Solomon Von Assindia.  He proved to be an excellent stud, siring 21 champions and is featured in most pedigrees with an English background.

Orlamonde De Khlaramour, with kittens

photo Anne Cumbers