I visited two quite different art exhibitions over the last few weeks – here’s my report on both.
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur consists of new works by Sir Grayson Perry (b. 1960) at the Wallace Collection in London. The exhibition, which is the largest contemporary show ever held at the museum, features over 40 new pieces, including ceramics, tapestries and works on paper, displayed alongside some of the Wallace Collection’s masterpieces. The exhibition runs from March 28 to October 26, 2025 …
It delves into themes of authenticity, the role of the artist, and the gendering of decoration. The exhibition includes works by ‘outsider artists’ Aloïse Corbaz and Madge Gill, inspired by Perry’s discovery that Gill exhibited at the Wallace Collection in 1942, and Perry’s own childhood experiences.
Aloïse Corbaz (1886-1964) …
Madge Gill (1882-1961) …
Gill at her home in Wast Ham 19th August 1947 …
A key element of the exhibition is the imaginary character Shirley Smith, a self-taught artist from the East End of London, who believed herself to be the ‘thwarted legitimate heiress’ to the Wallace Collection …
Perry uses Shirley Smith as a vehicle to explore the themes of identity, social class, and the perception of grandeur. The exhibition also features a playful commentary on the nature of making and collecting art, with a focus on the artist’s role and the audience’s perception of art.
You can listen to and watch Sir Grayson talking about the exhibition here (highly recommended). Also, here’s a review you might find interesting.
There are two works by Corbaz, whose paintings and murals were often developed by the artist in partnership with a young doctor at a Swiss psychiatric clinic. Corbaz was being treated for Schizophrenia …
Works by Madge Gill (coloured ink on paper) …
Embroidery with coloured cotton …
Shirley Smith at the Wallace Collection …
Spirit of Shirley Smith …
Heaven’s Gate, wool carpet …
Madame de Pompadour, 1759 …
Drawings by Shirley Smith …
Computer Sick …
Some of the other exhibits …
The wallpaper …
If you like the paper a lot, rolls are for sale in the shop – why not do a bit of home redecoration as a memento of the exhibition!
And now, as they say, for something completely different.
At the Barbican Library …
My attention was immediatly drawn to this piece of work by Carla Regan, it made me laugh out loud …
It’s entitled Boris Johnson as Sue Gray – fantastic!
I also liked very much these portraits by Christina Wilson …
Other works on display …
It’s a great exhibition, so do visit if you can since it closes next Monday, 28 July.
If you would like to follow me on Instagram here is the link …
