Grayson Perry crafts his own culture for museum art show

Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry has turned cultural explorer to scavenge the stores of the British Museum for a new exhibition that will open this autumn.

The transvestite potter artist has imagined a one-man culture of Perry - as if he were the Egyptians or the Assyrians - and chosen a show of
170 objects reflecting his own passions. These include his fascination with gender and with the notion of pilgrimage.

The show, sponsored by AlixPartners, a business advisory firm, with Louis Vuitton, will embrace an eclectic selection of objects from across world cultures from Polynesian fetishes to Buddhist votive offerings, as well as works by Perry himself.

He is also creating a Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman - a decorated, cast-iron coffin-ship.

The concept is to suggest that contemporary artists are a distinct ethnic grouping. Perry said: "It's been everything I've dreamed of. When I was approaching 50, I thought I've only got so many shows left in me. I've always wanted to do this show and I've done it. It would be a great result if people look at stuff in a different way in the British Museum."

Grayson Perry: The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman runs from October 6 to February 18.