TURNER Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry is to lend one of his pieces to a historic stately home in Frampton on Severn whilst its own tapestry is taken away for conservation.
The acclaimed artist has offered to lend ‘The Upper Class at Bay’ to the Grade I-listed Frampton Court in order to help them cover the costs of renovation of its piece, which is original to the house.
Woven by the Huguenots, Frampton Court’s tapestry takes up the entirety of a wall in one of its bedrooms and has been there since the house was built in 1732.
It has been sent off for urgent cleaning and conservation work which is expected to cost about £10,000.
A series of fundraising events will be hosted by the owners of Frampton Court in March in a bid to raise funds to help cover the cost of the work.
Grayson Perry’s vivid depiction of the modern state of the Upper Classes will be taking up residence in the vacant space left by the original tapestry for three months, while restoration takes place.
His tapestry features Frampton Court and its beautiful orangery and the striking central image of a stag being dragged to the ground by ‘tax hounds’ and has a face that closely resembles that of Rollo Clifford, Frampton Court’s owner.
Janie Clifford, Frampton Court’s owner, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to undertake the much-needed conservation of our fine old tapestry.
“Thanks to Grayson's support and the generous loan of his own tapestry we have been given a chance to help fund the skilled restoration work it requires.
“We hope other people will also generously support the project and enjoy coming to see his tapestry at the events we are having at Frampton Court in the next few weeks.”
The artist stayed in the ‘Tapestry Room’ at Frampton Court and spent time with its owners as part of his research on the upper classes for Channel 4’s 2012 documentary series, ‘All in the Best Possible Taste with Grayson Perry’.
He said: "I feel that is very appropriate for The Upper Class at Bay to hang in the Tapestry Room at Frampton.
“I stayed in this room and my experience with Janie and Rollo was a big inspiration - any resemblance is purely coincidental!"
More information can be found at framptoncourtestate.co.uk/graysonperry
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here