Grayson Perry: A Potted Biography - Opens at Shetland Museum & Archives

A display of ceramics by contemporary British artist, author, and broadcaster Grayson Perry is set to open at the Shetland Museum and Archives on Saturday 2nd November.

Winner of the 2003 Turner Prize, Perry is known for his vases, two of which will be the highlight of the gallery show, ‘A Potted Biography’. Perry is also well known for his tapestries, cross-dressing and observations of the contemporary arts scene. Many of his pieces are autobiographical, often featuring his female alter-ego ‘Claire’ and his childhood teddy bear ‘Alan Measles’. Alongside the vases there will be an exhibition entitled 'My Potted Biography', displaying items on loan from people in Shetland, representing key aspects of their own life stories.

Dr. Ian Tait, Curator of the Shetland Museum and Archives said, “This is a hugely exciting event for Shetland. We work hard to present new works at the Museum throughout the year to engage people with Shetland’s outstanding heritage. In addition, it is also our ambition to provide Shetlanders with the opportunity to experience art and exhibitions that would otherwise be unavailable to them locally. Bringing artwork to Shetland from such a well-known and provocative artist such as Grayson Perry is incredible. Juxtaposing the artist’s biography with that of local people is both innovative and fun.”

The two pieces from Grayson Perry, ‘My Gods’ and ‘Aspects of Myself’, are autobiographical and are on loan from Tate. The classical shapes and attractive appearance of the vases are in sharp contrast to the issues they depict. ‘Aspects of Myself’ was created by Perry in 2001 and combines a variety of decorative techniques to create a complex and challenging piece, reflecting Perry’s own life. ‘My Gods’ was created by Perry in 1994 and features a series of figures, each representing a different deity that symbolises the artist’s own personal theology and heavily influenced by his own relationship with his parents.

Key loans have been made possible through The Ferryman Project: Sharing Works of Art which is supported by National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the John Ellerman Foundation and the Art Fund.

Ruth Mackenzie, Chair of the Shetland Amenity Trust who run the Shetland Museum and Archives service commented, “This is an incredible achievement and would not have been possible without the vision and commitment of our expert team and the support of The Ferryman Project. Securing the loan was only the first stage, and the team have now created an eye-catching installation, transforming Da Gadderie space to create an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.”

The Ferryman Project: Sharing Works of Art is part of the part of The Ferryman Partnership Programme inspired by the recent acquisition of William Stott of Oldham’s Le Passeur (The Ferryman) 1881 for Tate’s National Collection of British Art. It is supported by National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the John Ellerman Foundation and Art Fund.

A Potted Biography’ will run from Saturday 2nd November to Friday 11th January in Da Gadderie at Shetland Museum and Archives. A programme of events and associated activities will be published on the Shetland Museum and Archives website shortly and promoted via their social media feeds.

Related Posts

Research project commissioned to encourage locals to grow more aets!

Shetland Amenity Trust has commissioned a research project with two local straw makers to understand more about the growing of ...

Read more

‘Logical Confusion’, a retrospective exhibition of Mike McDonnell opens at the Shetland Museum

An ambitious new exhibition dedicated to the artistry of well-known local artist Mike McDonnell opened this weekend at the Shetland ...

Read more

New poetry book - ‘Love in Human Herts’

‘Love in Human Herts’, a new publication celebrating Vagaland’s finest poetry has been launched today by the Shetland Amenity ...

Read more

Film celebrating the achievements of Johnnie Notions launched by Shetland Museum and Archives

A new film which brings to life the incredible story of 18th century inoculation pioneer and Shetland crofter Johnnie Notions has been ...

Read more

Keep a look out for Skeklers this Halloween

We had a great time at our recent Skeklers Hat workshop with local artist Eve Eunson in preparation for Halloween.

Read more

Pre-school Activity Mornings

Bring your little explorers to the Shetland Museum & Archives for our heritage-filled fun sessions, designed especially for under 5's ...

Read more

National Poetry Day

To celebrate National Poetry Day we asked assistant archivist (and poet) Mark Smith to uncover a hidden gem from the archives. This ...

Read more

October Holiday Workshops

Join us this October Holidays for heritage inspired workshops and some spooky Halloween fun! From witchcraft to skeklers and faas ...

Read more

Treasure Trove Comes to Shetland

Members of the public are invited to come along with their ‘treasures’ and meet experts from Scotland’s Treasure Trove Unit ...

Read more

Bold exhibition featuring photography by legendary Diane Arbus opens at Shetland Museum and Archives

A new display of powerful and iconic photographs by Diane Arbus, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, opened ...

Read more

Shetland Museum and Archives Launches New Online Archive Catalogue

A new online Archives catalogue has been launched today (Tuesday 8 August) at the Shetland Museum and Archives.

Read more

CLOSED: Friday 12 noon - Sunday 12 noon

Shetland Museum and Archives will be closed from 12 noon on Friday 21 July until 12 noon on Sunday 23 July, due to a private ...

Read more

A celebration of Shetland’s maritime heritage at the museum

Shetland’s maritime heritage will be at the heart of Shetland Museum and Archives’ summer programme, with a series of themed ...

Read more

Preparing for the herring – photos from the archives

George Gen and Sarah Mackintosh, members of our Visitor Experience team have pulled together a selection of photos from our online ...

Read more

Online Survey: Have your say on our learning and outreach activities

From exhibitions and workshops to family activities and evening talk, we would love to hear your thoughts on our current offering and ...

Read more