'Julie Cope's Grand Tour'

"Julie Cope is a fictional character created by artist Grayson Perry – an Essex everywoman whose story he has told through the two tapestries and extended ballad."

The tapestries and ballad have been on show at Abbot Hall in Kendal since last November and we've kept meaning to go and see the exhibition. As the Minx was in Kendal, today, she suggested we go and see it. Which was just as well; tomorrow is its last day.

Initially, it's quite unprepossessing: the two tapestries, which are, admittedly, both large and gloriously colourful; a number of panels which have the ballad printed upon them; and a couple of speakers, through which you can hear Grayson Perry reading the work. 

The ballad tells the tale of the not particularly special life of Julie Cope, born during the Canvey Island floods, which occurred in 1953, and ending when she is knocked down in a Colchester Street. At first it all seems quite mundane but as you listen to and read the ballad, so the tapestries come to life and Julie Cope's routine life becomes something special and her death seems suddenly very sad and moving precisely because it is so mundane. 

(The effect put me in mind of the super-powerful character of Dr Manhatten in Alan Moore's 'Watchmen', who suddenly realises that every life is a miracle.)

It was a small touch but I really liked the speakers that were used and I'm also glad that there was the recording playing, as Grayson Perry's voice added a dimension to the tale. 

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-13.1 kgs
Reading: 'Middle England' by Jonathan Coe