A Chat With: Grayson Perry

Well-known for brightly-coloured frocks, 50-year-old bears and artworks that comment on society, it’s time to hear all about Sir Grayson Perry’s brand new exhibition, Delusions of Grandeur at the Wallace Collection and our official jewellery collaboration from the renowned British artist himself!

TD: Delusions of Grandeur is made up of new work, tell us more about the work and the narrative running throughout.

GP: This show is about three years of work. At first, I struggled to be inspired by a lot of the Wallace collection but then I had the idea of inventing an artist who was obsessed by the place and ideas started to flow. 

Some of the work I attribute to her, some is definitely by me. The show features works in a wide variety of media, ceramics, tapestries, prints, sculpture, embroidery, furniture and even a piece of armour.

TD: For those who haven't seen Delusions of Grandeur (yet!), can you tell us about your favourite piece of work in the exhibition?

GP: I’m not really keen on the word favourite as my taste changes all the time but I am very pleased with the furniture piece I have made in collaboration with a skilled cabinet maker. It is covered in ceramic tiles I made based on miniatures in the Wallace collection and is called The Great Beauty.

TD: It's been so much fun combining your work, old and new, with our signature laser cut style. What is going to be your must-wear piece from our jewellery collection? What will Claire wear?!

GP: I love wearing your jewellery. I will try and wear the whole collection. I wore the necklace based on my Family Tree wallpaper to the opening as it matched my dress.

TD: We've spotted you wearing our Rachel Maclean Necklace, and of course, our Tatty Devine X Grayson Perry collection, how does Tatty Devine jewellery make you feel?

GP: I love my Tatty Devine Necklace and always feel modern and fun and maybe a bit trendy when I wear it

Tatty Devine X Grayson Perry’s The Swing Necklace, £235 - exclusive to the Wallace Collection.

TD: Shirley and her ancestors translate very well into jewellery, what do you think she would say about being made into jewellery?!

GP: Shirley did like dressing up but as someone from the past. She would appreciate what an honour it is and the skill and artistry of Tatty Devine jewellery but it may be a bit modern for her.

Shop our full Tatty Devine X Grayson Perry collection online and in our Covent Garden store, with even more designs available in the Wallace Collection museum shop. 

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