One of the best-known British artists of today, Perry (b. 1960) employs a wide variety of techniques and materials. His works range from large woodcuts, tapestries and cast-iron sculptures to prints, dresses and even an entire house. Perry calls himself “a tranny potter” and explores a climate in which people fear difference and retreat to the safe confines of their own group.

On the occasion of the award of the prestigious Erasmus Prize 2021 to British artist Grayson Perry, the Bonnefanten presents We Shall Catch it on the Beaches, a tribute to this exceptional artist. Perry's top pieces from the Bonnefanten collection are shown together with new work that was created during the pandemic. These recent and topical works of art were part of the popular British TV programme Grayson’s Art Club.

In each episode, Grayson and his wife Philippa also created an artwork around a theme, such as home, family or travel. Reflections on the small, domestic life are alternated with reflections on Brexit and the pandemic. One of the new works created by Grayson Perry himself is We Shall Catch it on the Beaches. A colourful vase covered with visual reflections of the British people during the corona pandemic.

We see famous British figures, such as Queen Elizabeth and Chris Witty. It is also a sharp take on social hypocrisy, as the phrase "Fair pay for key workers apart from our cleaner, oh and the nanny" demonstrates. The title of the vase refers to a speech during World War II, We Shall Fight on the Beaches, by Winston Churchill in 1940. And the shape of the vase refers to a flagon, a robust medieval jug widely used in Britain at the time.