Artist Grayson Perry snubbed dying mother’s plea to end feud
He wouldn’t even go to funeral, says stepfather
ARTIST Grayson Perry rejected his mother’s dying wish for a reconciliation after a decade-long feud, his stepfather claimed last night.
Jean Dines became estranged from her son following the publication of Grayson’s 2006 memoirs in which he gave a dismal account of his childhood and accused her of emotional neglect. And now it has been claimed the feud went with her to the grave.
Last night, her widower Alan Dines said that when Jean knew she was dying, she attempted to get back in touch with her son – but was snubbed and left broken-hearted.
‘ She phoned him a month or so before she died but he said “I don’t want to speak to you”, put the phone down on her and promptly changed his number,’ claimed Mr Dines. ‘What kind of son does that to his mother? As far as I can tell, he’s a good artist but he’s a lousy human being.’
Earlier this month, the celebrity potter, well known for wearing women’s clothes, launched his new show at London’s Serpentine Gallery with the ironic title The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever.
Mrs Dines, am other-of-four, suffered a fatal stroke just a week short of her 80th birthday at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, last year. She already had a heart condition.
Mr Dines, her second husband, helped bring up Grayson and his sister Helen, as well as his own children. He was at his wife’s side when she died. The retired milkman, 75, said: ‘I phoned Helen and she said she told Grayson straight away that his mum was very ill and might die. I know Jean stayed alive in that last week in the hope that Grayson would come and see her. She was in a coma.
‘ She’d had a stroke and a heart attack but she was clinging to life, I believe, for one last chance to put things right between them.
‘I’m sorry to say Grayson Perry didn’t take that final opportunity to put things right.
‘Not only that, but he didn’t come to the funeral service or send any word or message of sympathy or condolence. I have heard nothing from him to this day.’
Two years ago, Mrs Dines told The Mail on Sunday of her enduring hope that there would be a reconciliation between her and her son. She said: ‘I know I’m close to the end of my life now and it would mean the world to me if we could rebuild our relationship before it’s too late.’
Mr Dines said his wife had a history of ill- health in recent years, including suffering several strokes and dementia.
‘I loved my wife so much and I miss her every second of every day,’ he added. ‘I’m still so sad for her that she had to die with a broken heart.’
Grayson Perry did not respond to Mail on Sunday requests for a comment.
‘What kind of son does that to his mother?’