Javanese, Batik depicting European figures, possibly Dutch royalty, 1880-1913.Image 1 of 5 | Trustees of the British Museum

Grayson Perry, The Rosetta Vase, 2011.Image 2 of 5 | Courtesy of the Artist and Victoria Miro Gallery, London. Copyright Grayson Perry. Photo: Stephen White

Indian, painted wooden portable shrine decorated with scenes from the Hindu Epics, 19th-20th century.Image 3 of 5 | Trustees of the British Museum

Grayson Perry, Pilgrimage to the British Museum, 2011.Image 4 of 5 | Grayson Perry. Courtesy Victoria Miro Gallery, London.

Grayson Perry, Map of Truths and Beliefs, (detail), 2011.Image 5 of 5 | Courtesy of the Artist and The Paragon Press, London. Copyright Grayson Perry. Photo: Alicia Guirao, Factum Arte.

 

 

 

 

 

Overview

'This is a memorial to the anonymous skilled individuals who have made all the things in the British Museum', says Turner Prize-winner artist Grayson Perry, who has spent two years behind the scenes, sifting through the collections in the British Museum's vaults and selecting around 170 objects for the exhibition.

The fruits of his search are displayed alongside his own most recent works, including the cast-iron 'coffin-ship' Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman. It will highlight an eclectic mix of craftsmanship whereby Polynesian fetishes rub shoulders with Buddhist sculptures, an Egyptian model sailing boat, and Hello Kitty pilgrim hand towels.

You may have read about Grayson Perry's search for a stunt double on behalf of his childhood teddy bear Alan Measles. Perry searched high and low for three body doubles to give Alan a rest during the exhibition and the chosen stunt bears will sit for just over one month each in the teddy shrine on the back of his motorbike on display in the Museum’s Great Court.

Extended to 26 February (originally ending 19 February)