Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur – a 'playful' collection of paintings and objects
The Turner Prize-winning artist's show at The Wallace Collection showcases his persistent 'anti-establishment stance'
theweek.comHere’s a quick update on Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur.
- The exhibition ran at the Wallace Collection in London from March 28 to October 26, 2025, pairing Perry’s new works with items from the Wallace Collection to explore themes of heritage, gender, and mental health.[2][5]
- Reception was mixed in places, with some critics praising Perry’s craft and concept, while others felt the show’s theatrics and self-figuring narrativess sometimes overwhelmed its focus on the collection.[5][7]
- Coverage highlighted Perry’s use of Outsider-art references (Madge Gill and Aloïse Corbaz) and a narrative around a fictional character Shirley Smith that sits beside real works, prompting conversations about authorial voice and the boundaries between artist, collector, and muse.[3][7]
- If you’re seeking reviews or current exhibitions related to this work, the Wallace Collection site and major arts outlets (Guardian, ArtLyst, Islington Tribune, etc.) published contemporary analyses around opening and subsequent press cycles in 2025.[4][7][5]
Illustration: a common curatorial approach in this show was placing Perry’s postures and motifs adjacent to historic masterpieces, creating a dialogue between contemporary and 18th–century decorative arts within Hartford House settings.[7][2]
Would you like a concise snapshot of critical reception quotes or a timeline of the exhibition’s press coverage? I can compile a brief, sourced digest.
- Sources: Guardian review notes overall reception and interpretation; ArtLyst and Arbuthurian provide complementary perspectives; Wallace Collection page confirms dates and scope.[3][5][7]