Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Differences

The Vanity of Small Differences is a series of six large-scale tapestries by the Turner-Prize winning artist Grayson Perry, which explore the British fascination with taste and class.

Inspired by the 18th century painter William Hogarth’s moral tale, A Rake’s Progress, Perry’s tapestries follow the life of a fictional character called Tim Rakewell, as he develops from infancy through his teenage and middle years, to his untimely death in a bloody car accident.

The tapestries are rich in both content and colour and depict many of the eccentricities and peculiarities associated with life in the UK, from interior design to British cuisine, political protest and celebrity gossip. The composition of each tapestry also recalls early Renaissance religious painting, drawing us in to an art historical, as well as a socio-political exploration.

The UK tour of the tapestries is supported by the Art Fund and Sfumato Foundation.

Alongside this exhibition, there will be a display of the Herbert’s collection of studies made by Graham Sutherland for the monumental tapestry which hangs behind the altar of Coventry Cathedral.

Image credit Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre London and British Council © the artist. Gift of the artist and Victoria Miro Gallery with the support of Channel 4 Television, the Art Fund and Sfumato Foundation with additional support from AlixPartners.