Grayson Perry: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl

Every inch of Grayson’s childhood bedroom was covered with pictures of aeroplanes, and every surface with models. Fantasy took over his life, in a world of battles ruled by his teddy bear, Alan Measles. He grew up. And in 2003, an acclaimed ceramic artist, he accepted the Turner Prize as his alter-ego Clare, wearing his best dress, with a bow in his hair.

Now he tells his own story, his voice beautifully caught by his friend, the writer Wendy Jones. Early childhood in Chelmsford, Essex is a rural Eden that ends abruptly with the arrival of his stepfather. This leads to constant swerving between his parents’ houses, and between boys’ and women’s clothes. But as Grayson enters art college and discovers the world of London squats and New Romanticism, he starts to find himself. At last he steps out as a potter and transvestite.

About the Author

Grayson Perry, the controversial winner of the 2003 Turner Prize, is best known as a ceramic artist. He also works with embroidery and photography. He lives in London and is married with a daughter. Wendy Jones is a teacher and a writer.