When he won the Turner Prize in 2003, Grayson Perry made just as much of an impression with his acceptance of the accolade as he had with his art.
Dressed as Little Bo Peep, he joked: “It’s about time a transvestite potter won.”
The ceramic artist was suddenly a household name – and as well as challenging artistic convention with his creations, he tested prejudices around transvestism.
The 61-year-old has said of his crossdressing, which led to the emergence of his colourful alter-ego, Claire: “I do it because I want to do it. I don’t have an agenda with it… I like dressing up.”
And Grayson has certainly always liked dressing up. While he was a student in the late 1970s, he shared a house with Stephen Jones, who would become a world-famous milliner, and flamboyant pop star Boy George. Unsurprisingly, they all competed to wear the most outrageous outfits.
But his earliest attempts to express himself, after realising he was a transvestite aged around 13, led to his volcanic-tempered mum Jean kicking him out.
Denne historien er fra December 06, 2021-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 06, 2021-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Savoury saviours
Get ahead with simple spicy suppers from Nadiya Hussain
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS - I want to share the way I cook and the way I eat'
Chef Nadiya Hussain on the money-saving cooking tips and vital life skills that she teaches her children.
THE WILD ONE - Nobody tried to change me that was who I am
Rock star Suzi Quatro on leading the way for women, being true to herself and her 60th anniversary tour
CELEBRITIES PUT ON THE GLITZ FOR TV'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Famous faces gathered at the National Television Awards last week to celebrate the best of Britain's TV talent
IN THE PINK - I feel like myself again now I'm back in the Strictly family'
After documenting her brutal cancer journey, Strictly favourite Amy Dowden shares her joy at returning to the dance floor
STYLE COUNSEL - My friendships are one of my greatest successes'
As stylist Gok Wan celebrates his milestone birthday, he reflects on his personal losses, biggest achievements and plans for the future
STEP BACK IN TIME - STARS ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES
A host of celebrities attended the Goodwood Revival festival last week to see the classic cars and fabulous retro fashions
GOOD CLEAN FUN - 'I really like to organise things I find it therapeutic'
Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon on how tidying up helps her shut out anxious thoughts, the reason she only shares happy memories on social media, and why it's husband Joe Swash who puts out the bins
SHINING BRIGHT - KATE'S MESSAGE OF HOPE
Her emotional health update video made it clear that the Princess of Wales' family comes first, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
My family will always be my main priority'
Model and actress Caprice invites OK! into her stylish home to talk about fame and why nothing beats being with her kids.