The Vanity of Small Differences

The Vanity of Small Differences was an exhibition of six monumental tapestries by celebrated contemporary artist Grayson Perry. It opened at Salisbury Cathedral in June 2022.

Each tapestry, measuring 2m x 4m and inspired by William Hogarth’s The Rake’s Progress, charted a stage in the ‘class journey’ of young Tim Rakewell (a wry reference to Hogarth’s protagonist, Tom Rakewell). The works incorporated characters, incidents, and objects Perry encountered during journeys through Sunderland, Tunbridge Wells, and The Cotswolds while filming a series for Channel 4.

With sharp wit and unflinching honesty, Perry exposed layers of unconscious taste and bias in the scenes and individuals he portrayed. References to classical art and religious painting added depth and, in some cases, reverence to otherwise ordinary settings, enriching the narrative with multiple layers of meaning.

Although the tapestries had toured extensively in recent years, this was the first time they were displayed in an ecclesiastical setting. This created a unique opportunity for dialogue between the artworks and the Cathedral’s sacred space.

The Vanity of Small Differences was jointly owned by the Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London, and the British Council Collection. The works were a gift from the artist and Victoria Miro Gallery, supported by Channel 4 Television, the Art Fund, and the Sfumato Foundation, with additional support from Alix Partners. The UK tour was supported by the Art Fund and the Sfumato Foundation.

Curated by Beth Hughes.