NO nonsense TV personality Janet Street-Porter had high praise for Grayson Perry’s exhibition in Colchester...but criticised the council for a lack of signs to the art gallery.

She tweeted about the Life of Julie Cope, at Firstsite until February 2018, while taking a shot at our local authorities.

After describing it as a “top Grayson Perry show,’” she added: “Shame no signs from High Street or station. Maybe the council thinks art lovers are psychic?”

Another tweet read: “Drove to see Firstsite gallery. Priory Street inaccessible. Walked from behind Fenwick. Not a single sign to an important gallery.”

Gazette:

Janet Street-Porter during filming on Mersea beach in April 2014. Pictured with resident Nic Sayer.

Tim Young, deputy leader of Colchester Council, said he definitely does not think art lovers have psychic powers, “just good taste and judgement to come to a great art gallery”.

The Firstsite trustee was one of the 1,400 people at the exhibition’s opening night, which was followed by 1,800 visitors over the weekend.

He said: “I wouldn’t disagree with Janet. We’ve been trying with Essex County Council to get better signs to Firstsite and also Essex Highways looking at the A12, without success.

“So we feel her frustration.”

Gazette:

Tapestry 'In its Familiarity Golden,' 2015. Picture: Grayson Perry

Firstsite gallery director Sally Shaw was just overjoyed someone so notable recommended the show, which Grayson specifically wanted shown in Colchester.

Janet is a fan and friend of Grayson but was in town on other business when she decided to stop by.

Ms Shaw said: “It was quite a quick chat but Janet was really interested in the show and what was going on at the gallery.

“Someone like her will be looking for all sorts of things to see and will have a lot sent to her.

“The fact she was in the area and it was on her radar, plus she liked it and shared it - that’s my dream scenario.

"So thank you, Janet Street-Porter.”

Gazette:

Sally Shaw is pretty chuffed about it all

Visitor figures for the Life of Julie Cope, based on a fictional character from Canvey Island who died on Colchester High Street, topped Andy Warhol last year, by about 300 people.

The exhibition includes items from a House for Essex, in Wrabness, which Grayson designed.

A talk and question and answer session with the Turner Prize-winning artist on December 6 has sold out in a record three hours.

Ms Shaw said: “It’s still a big surprise. Jeremy Deller last year took about three days to sell, but there’s a huge appeal around Grayson Perry.

“Everybody I spoke to was just delighted and proud this show came to Colchester.

“People would’ve been happy to pay for a show like it, which is an amazing thing to hear.

"Future shows will naturally be ticketed but I didn't want to create any barriers for people wanting to come to the show."