Grayson Perry artwork to go on show

There will be a rare chance to see a vibrant tapestry by artist Grayson Perry when it goes on show at the National Trust’s Castle Drogo from Monday 7 March.

The 15 feet wide Map of Truths and Beliefs, was created by Perry in 2011 for his popular Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman exhibition at The British Museum.

Perry’s work, created in the style of a map with the Great Eye in the Centre, is a depiction of the clash of everyday and spiritual pilgrimages - from Stonehenge to Graceland. His favourite teddy, Alan Measles, can be spotted in the centre of the eye.

It may have been drawn by the artist but it was made using modern digital methods. It was created on a Belgian loom in just one day.

It will form part of the new Truth and Triomphe exhibition at the castle. Perry’s tapestry will be hung alongside "Char de Triomphe", a French masterpiece made for King Louis XIV. In contrast this took six people three years to weave by hand.

The exhibition is providing a rare opportunity for members of the public to compare and contrast the historic and contemporary methods, symbolism and making of both tapestries.

The Char de Triomphe also contains a wealth of symbolism, placing the sun, Louis XIV’s personal symbol, at the centre of the tapestry.

Grayson's tapestry is going on display as a result of a chance conversation between friends, who kindly offered to let it be hung with the Char de Triomphe, which is part of Castle Drogo's collection.

Both tapestries will be on show at Castle Drogo from Monday 7 March until the end of October 2016.