Rare Sir Grayson Perry work joins Portsmouth 100 exhibition

Rare early work by Sir Grayson Perry will go on display as part of an exhibition celebrating Portsmouth's centenary.

The Extremes of English Mediocrity, was created by Perry in 1986, four years after he graduated from Portsmouth Polytechnic with a degree in fine art.

It will be on show at the Hampshire city's museum as part of the Portsmouth 100 exhibition.

The city council said it was an important acquisition, bringing the artist's work into its collection of studio ceramics for the first time and reflecting his connection to the city.

Council leader Steve Pitt said: "It's great that we've been able to secure this important early work by Sir Grayson Perry, who has a strong connection with the city, having studied here.

"We're grateful to our museums team for securing the funding, and to Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and Art Fund for their support.

We're pleased to add this work to the city's collection as part of our Portsmouth100 exhibition for people to enjoy."

The free exhibition at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery opened on 26 October.

It spans three galleries and 20 themed sections, covering football, music, transport, art and the dockyard.

It includes a painting gifted by Portsmouth-born artist Sir Christopher Le Brun, who has had one of the galleries named after him.

Events have been running throughout 2026 to mark the centenary, including live music performances, fireworks displays and a sculpture trail.

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