WHAT? Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur

WHERE? Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN

WHEN? Now until 26th October 

WHY GO? To time travel through decorative arts. The grandiose setting of the Wallace Museum is hardly the usual abode for idiosyncratic artist Perry but it’s the Gallery that has inspired and stages his new grandiose exhibition and it sizzles with exciting references, time travelling through generations of art treasures. 

Inspired by works in the Collection like Fragonard’s The Swing and The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals, Perry has reinterpreted national art treasures his unique way, or the way of an alter ego he has created, especially called Shirley Smith.  She is his voice, and the story goes that she wakes up after a breakdown and imagines she owns the gallery and has contributed towards the collection in her own style. 

Yes, the storyline is a trifle confusing but the results are as imaginative and thrilling as ever with all Perry’s work and include ceramics, tapestries, paintings and sculptures. He also touches on digital tech, comparing work that can be made in minutes to priceless originals that were finely crafted.

The irony of the title, Delusions of Grandeur is not lost on Perry who felt himself an outsider at the onset but is now firmly ensconced within the genteel surroundings of this illustrious gallery.

He plays, provokes and creates the most imaginative pieces and his wallpaper (for Liberty) would not look out of place in any regal Palace loo!

IN THE KNOW The Wallace exhibition is Perry’s grandest collaboration to date and coincides with celebrating his 65th birthday. There's a special Delusions of Grandeur posh afternoon tea on the menu in the gallery’s courtyard cafe and souvenir keepsakes to purchase in the gift shop. 

Whether you want a little bit of something grand like a printed tea towel or a really grand silk scarf, reinterpreting, ‘The Swing’, it’s all on offer for Perry fans to covet.