Wallace collection special exhibit: Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur

Gambian singer: Sona Jobarteh & Philharmonia- Very special commissioned concert

First, breakfast at the Wallace. One of our fav museums. Small and pieces we don’t you’re of.

we had to leave The Wallace restaurant because they were not serving breakfast so we went over to Paul’s where they were not serving breakfast. Fine success so far. Ham sandwiches were acquired.

“Shirley Smith” is not a real historical artist or a Wallace heiress.
Shirley Smith is a fictional artist created by the contemporary British artist Grayson Perry as part of his exhibition “Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur” at the Wallace Collection in London. The exhibition runs from March 28 to October 26, 2025.
In Perry’s fictional narrative, Shirley Smith is a woman who experiences a mental health crisis and wakes up in the Wallace Collection believing she is the rightful heir to its treasures, imagining herself as the Honorable Millicent Wallace.
Through the persona of Shirley Smith, Grayson Perry has created over 40 new works in various media, including ceramics, tapestries, furniture, and works on paper. These pieces are displayed alongside masterpieces from the Wallace Collection that inspired them. The exhibition explores themes of home, identity, gender, perfectionism, and the transformative nature of art, all through the imagined perspective of Shirley Smith.
Therefore, when you encounter the name “Shirley Smith” in the context of art and the Wallace Collection, it is referring to this fictional artist created by Grayson Perry for his current exhibition.

One reason we come to the Wallace collection is to see the Canalettos

This venue holds up to 1500 depending on how it’s configured sometimes it’s configured as a dinner place sometimes as a cabaret, etc., Circus or theater

The concert

https://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/sona-jobarteh-philharmonia/

Western classical and African musical traditions come together in a programme where music by Bach, Elgar and Vivaldi meets compositions for the kora – a West African stringed instrument.

The Philharmonia is joined by Gambian kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh for an extraordinary one-off concert which will chart the musical journey of her life from the Western classical repertoire to a special guest appearance from her father and kora teacher Sanjally Jobarteh. Closing this captivating collaboration between the Philharmonia Orchestra and Sona Jobarteh is the world premiere of Na Baluwo, an orchestral composition in which she explores her deep connection to her Mandeng heritage, uniquely bridging between the African and the Western world, as well as incorporating themes from some of her most popular stage songs.

Programme

Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No.3

Tunde Jegede –  Still Moment (solo kora)

Elgar – Sospiri

Vivaldi (arranged Coult) – La Follia

Sanjally Jobarteh – Miniang Ba (solo kora)

Tunde Jegede  – Overture – Hopes on the Horizon

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