Grayson just loves making an exhibition of himself...

WeArING a preposterous multicoloured frock, clunky green shoes and a miniature hat seemingly plucked from the top of a tequila bottle, Grayson Perry looked like he could have been dressed for the circus.

But the artist’s attire seemed appropriate for the kaleidoscopic galleries of the royal Academy of Arts in London last night.

The 58-year-old transvestite, pictured last night, wandered the hallways and chatted amiably with guests at the preview of the 250th Summer exhibition, which he helped to co- ordinate. Perry is famous for crossdressing as his alter-ego Claire, and he duly delighted guests with his extravagant outfit, purple hair-dye and colourful make-up.

Claire often appears in public as well as Perry’s own artwork in a number of guises, ranging from a small girl in a frilly dress to a 19th century woman. Perry often designs the outfits himself.

The exhibition, which runs from June 12 to August 19, hosts an eclectic array of works by established and emerging contemporary artists, including sculptures, paintings, video installations and textiles.

Among the 1,351 artworks sits a sexually explicit mock-up of Donald Trump with an unnamed Miss Mexico winner, which is displayed next to an abstract drawing of the burning Grenfell Tower.

Perry has previously grumbled about the stress of organising such an exhibition.

He told The Guardian: ‘So there is pressure. But I’ve been enjoying myself, the collaboration with the other artists, working with the art handlers and curators. I’ve been having one of the best times of my life.’