Rare work by Sir Grayson Perry to go on display at Portsmouth Museum
The ceramic piece, created in 1986, is a rare example from the early stages of the artist’s career
Work by acclaimed artist Sir Grayson Perry is going on display at Portsmouth Museum and Gallery as part of the Portsmouth 100 exhibition.
The ceramic piece The Extremes of English Mediocrity was created in 1986, just four years after Sir Perry graduated from Portsmouth College of Art and Design with a degree in fine art and is a rare example from the early stages of his career.
The acquisition will be the first time a work by Sir Perry will be displayed as part of the museum’s significant collection of studio ceramics.
Funding to purchase the work was secured from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and Art Fund, with a contribution from Portsmouth City Council.
The piece adds another story to the 'Portsmouth100: Your museum. Your stories. Your city.' exhibition, which includes a gallery dedicated to artists with strong links to Portsmouth as part of the city's Portsmouth100 celebrations.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, with responsibility for Culture, said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to secure this important early work by Sir Grayson Perry, who has a strong connection with the city having studied here.
"We're grateful to our museums team for securing the funding, and to Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and Art Fund for their support. We're pleased to add this work to the city’s collection as part of our Portsmouth100 exhibition for people to enjoy."
The Extremes of English Mediocrity will be on display at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery from October 29.