Grayson Perry’s Photo Album, now on view at The Photographers’ Gallery

A small display (23 February – 3 June 2018) of photographs and spreads from one of Perry's early photo albums.

'We used to say transvestite gatherings should be sponsored by Kodak' – Grayson Perry

This intimate small-scale display shows a series of photographs and spreads from a private photo album owned by artist, Grayson Perry.  Taken with a 35mm Zenith SLR camera, printed at a high street chemist and preserved in a classic ring-bound stick-down album, these personal photos offer a rare glimpse into the development of Perry’s alter ego, Claire.
 
Although cross-dressing had been a part of his life from early childhood, and his first public outing in a wig and skirt was at the age fifteen, Perry was largely uncomfortable and inexperienced with presenting this part of himself at a young age.  It wasn’t until he went to study at Portsmouth Art School in his early 20s, that he was able to find the confidence and freedom to explore his identity within a creatively supportive and encouraging environment. 

Read more

Read Perry discussing the album in The Guardian

Image: from Grayson Perry's Photo Album, 1979-1984
© Grayson Perry
Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro, London / Venice