Par Margaret Kemp
When
Sir Grayson Perry, England’s most eccentric artist, was invited to create an exhibition of new work by the prestigious
Wallace Collection, London, he decided to create a fictional artist “Shirley Smith”, inspired by
Madge Gill, who exhibited at the Wallace during World War Two. Perry’s an incredible original so we looked forward to something completely different - we’re not disappointed.
https://www.wallacecollection.org/whats-on/exhibitions-displays/grayson-perry-delusions-of-grandeur/
This unique event opened on the artist’s 65th birthday and “Delusions of Grandeur” exhibits an exciting commentary on the nature of making art. Touching on themes such as the gendering of decoration, the expo’s a major moment for one of Britain’s most respected artists. Grayson is celebrated for his daring cross dressing, ceramic vases and observations of the contemporary arts scene.
Here we gasp excitedly over 40 new works by Sir Grayson, it’s the largest contemporary expo ever held at the museum, we discover ceramics, tapestry works on paper, displayed alongside masterpieces from the collection that helped shape his vision for this landmark show/émission emblématique.
Delusions of Grandeur interrogates the basics of craft-making. Intricate handcrafted objects sit alongside works made with digital technology – comparing an object that may take thousands of hours to create with one made in the blink of an eye! “
Sir Grayson invites viewers to contemplate questions of authenticity and the artist’s role in the future”, explain the Wallace Collection.
Perry's vases have classic forms and are decorated in brilliant bright colours, depicting subjects at odds with their attractive appearance. There’s a strong autobiographical element in his work, in which images of Perry as Claire, his female alter ego, and Alan Measles, his childhood teddy bear, often appear. He has made documentary television programmes and curated exhibitions. And there’s two published two autobiographies,
Grayson Perry: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl (2007) and
The Descent of Man (2016). And he illustrated a graphic novel,
Cycle of Violence (2012) written a book about art,
Playing to the Gallery (2014) and published his illustrated
Sketchbooks (2016).
“Creating exhibitions with museums has always been a source of joy for me, formalising my lifelong interest in reinterpreting artefacts through my own lens”, admits Grayson. Working with the Wallace Collection has offered both excitement and a unique challenge: I was captivated by the craftsmanship in the Wallace Collection but struggled with the opulent aesthetic - cloying at times. Fortunately, I worked out a strategy that helped me find a fresh perspective. I’m very grateful to
Xavier Bray for planting the seed of this exhibition in my head and to the staff and trustees of the Wallace Collection for allowing me to play in their jewel box”, he adds.
Xavier Bray, Director of The Wallace Collection, says: “
Grayson Perry’s an artist who engages with the world like no other. His work resonates deeply with the viewer – questioning, provoking, and reflecting contemporary society from the sublime to the absurd. It has been a privilege to work with him on this exhibition. Our time together has provided me with a new perspective on the Collection and I’m thrilled to share the vision with the public.”
Celebrate in the restaurant with “Delusions of Grandeur Afternoon Tea”. €50-65 and, don’t forget, the Wallace also houses a permanent collection of exquisite artworks just waiting to be discovered. See you there!
Until October 26th, 2025
Entry fee - £15
Wallace Collection,
Hertford House, Manchester Square,
London W1U 3BN UK
T:
+44 0207 563 9505
https://www.wallacecollection.org/visit/food-and-drink/
Avril 2025
