Art Funded by you

The Chelmsford Sissies

Grayson Perry, 2003

Chelmsford Museum and the Essex Regiment Museum, Chelmsford

The pot depicts a fictional transvestite festival in Chelmsford based on the real story of the Chelmsford Sissies. Sir Thomas Sissye was a Royalist who surrendered his band to Roundhead troops in 1648. As a humiliation Sissye and his men were forced to parade through Chelmsford wearing women's dress. Perry's alternative history is both wishful and celebratory. The transfer prints on the side refer to the expanding housing estates around the town.

More information

Title of artwork, date

The Chelmsford Sissies, 2003

Date supported

2004

Medium and material

Earthenware

Dimensions

Height: 65 cm; diameter: 39 cm

Grant

2500

Total cost

8000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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