WHAT?  Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Differences

WHERE?  Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ

WHEN?  Now until 8th December 

WHY GO?  For razor sharp satire.  Only the artistic genius of Grayson Perry, the creative arbiter of satire could translate the wit and humour of Hogarth into tapestries for today’s modern times. 

Hogarth’s A Rake's Progress was the inspiration behind six monumental tapestries by Perry that have been acclaimed since he created them in 2012. 

The story has come full circle since they are now on show in Pitzhanger, Sir John Soane's historic country house where they were originally destined to hang by Hogarth way back in 18th century England.

Hogarth may have depicted raunchy rowdy scenes of 18th century decadence but Perry depicts 21st century social mobility, focusing on class, taste and morality today. 

There’s much to ponder, as each ginormous tapestry is full of characters and witticisms. 

Perry chronicles his own autobiographical references, his family, and cross-dressing, depicting characters he has met and known throughout his own travels.

A full series of A Rake's Progress engravings are also on display in the Small Drawing Room offering up the opportunity to make spicy comparisons between then and now.

The titles are as titillating as the tapestries themselves and range from The Upper Class at Bay to The Agony in the Car Park, Hogarth would most certainly have been amused!

IN THE KNOW  Delve deeper into the history of Pitzhanger Manor, Hogarth and Perry by joining one of their special summer guided tours that offer expert background information about the historic Manor and a unique perspective of British satirical art.

Check website for details