A transvestite potter who decorates vases with images of sex and child abuse was savouring his success today after landing the art world's most notorious award of the Turner Prize.
Grayson Perry (43) collected the £20,000 sterling prize at a ceremony at Tate Britain in London, dressed as his alter ego Claire. Collecting the prize, a delighted Perry said: "It's about time a transvestite potter won the Turner Prize."
And he joked: "I think the art world had more difficulty coming to terms with me being a potter than my choice of frocks.
"I think it's appropriate to quote Philip Larkin, but they won't let me because it's before the watershed," the artist said in reference to Channel 4's live coverage of the event.
Two years ago Madonna upset some viewers when she shouted a four letter word before handing over the prize.
Perry said he thought he should thank some of the dealers and curators who had helped him over the years. But he said: "I only want to thank one person, my wife Philippa - she's been my best editor, sponsor, supporter and mainly my lover. Thank you."
The decision to grant Perry the award marks a rare Turner victory for traditional arts, as the winner puts his own spin on an ancient decorative form.
Perry said: "I'm not a standard bearer for ceramics. People say 'Is the art world accepting ceramics?'. I say no, they're accepting Grayson Perry." Sir Nicholas Serota, one of the judges, said the panel had not simply chosen Perry for his unusual choice of materials.