Croydon Council welcomes two very special works by renowned artist Grayson Perry to the borough this summer. 

From 15 July to 19 September, two large-scale tapestries will be on display at the Museum of Croydon, giving residents and visitors a unique opportunity to experience the work of one of Britain’s most celebrated artists. 

On loan from Crafts Council, the richly detailed tapestries were originally created as part of The Essex House Tapestries: The Life of Julie Cope, a project developed by the 2003 Turner Prize winner in 2015.  

The works were first housed in a secular chapel at Wrabness in Essex, designed by Perry in collaboration with FAT Architecture. Together, they tell the story of the fictional Julie Cope as a tribute to the people and communities of Essex, where Perry grew up. 

Through striking imagery and storytelling, the tapestries chart Julie’s life from her birth during the Canvey Island floods of 1953 to her tragic death in Colchester. Along the way, they explore her ambitions, setbacks and experiences, creating a vivid portrait of modern British life. As Perry himself described them, they capture “the trials, tribulations, celebrations and mistakes of an average life”. 

Local resident Wamia Tasnim was studying in the library when she found out the exhibition was on, she said: “I hadn’t heard of Grayson Perry before, but I was in the library and saw the exhibition advertised. I’m really pleased I came into the museum to see it. I really like the artwork and how he uses the tapestry to tell a story. It tells the story of one person’s life, but it clearly reflects all of society. I like how he has used the shapes and colours so well. It’s really great to have this artwork on display in Croydon. I would definitely recommend others to come and visit.”  

Deborah Ridley, Senior Curator of Collections at Crafts Council said: “We’re delighted to support the loan of Grayson Perry’s tapestry series to Croydon, giving more people the opportunity to experience these remarkable works. As part of the Crafts Council Collection, the tapestries are an important example of contemporary craft engaging with questions of identity, community and everyday life. Making works like these accessible to audiences across the UK is central to our mission, and we’re pleased to work in partnership with Croydon to bring them to new and existing audiences.”        

The exhibition forms part of Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s commitment to supporting Croydon’s thriving cultural scene and helping to strengthen the borough’s reputation as a centre for creativity and culture.  

“We are delighted to welcome these remarkable works by Grayson Perry to Croydon. This exhibition brings world-class art to our borough and gives residents a unique chance to see these extraordinary tapestries on their doorstep. 

“Although Julie Cope is a fictional Essex woman, her story will strike a chord with many people in Croydon. Her hopes, struggles, achievements and setbacks reflect the experiences of ordinary people and communities everywhere. At its heart, this is a story about everyday life, and this will resonate with many residents who will recognise something of themselves, their families or their neighbours in it. 

“Croydon has a rich and diverse cultural scene and investing in arts and culture helps us celebrate our communities, attract visitors and create opportunities for people to engage with the arts. I encourage everyone to visit the Museum of Croydon and experience this fascinating exhibition for themselves.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

The project is funded by Croydon Growth Zone, a long-term joint initiative between Croydon Council and the Greater London Authority (GLA) which allows business rates to be reinvested into town centre regeneration projects. Entry is free for Croydon residents and £5 for other visitors.  

Alongside the exhibition, visitors can listen to The Ballad of Julie Cope and take part in a varied programme of events, including comic drawing, lace-making workshops, drawing sessions for people living with dementia, and children’s summer craft activities. 

Visitors can also explore the museum’s Creative Health exhibition, an engaging and interactive look at how creative activities can benefit our physical and mental wellbeing, which is free for all. 

Find out more about the Museum of Croydon.