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bedsbedsbeds.net busy with many other projects, therefore it was a while before he could fully focus on it. Once he was fully engaged, it proved to be a hugely enjoyable process.

Q It is described as a ‘daring and provocative’ collaboration with FAT Architecture. Why?

A FAT Architecture was seen by many in the architecture world as ‘outsiders’, with clients maybe a little afraid of what they might get if they hired them. Living Architecture had always admired their design ambition and wit, and thought they would be a good match with Grayson. Charles Holland (one of the three cofounders of FAT) was also from Essex, therefore had an immediate a nity with Grayson and the county.

Q Who is Julie Cope?

A Julie is a woman born in Canvey Island in 1953, during the great floods; she grew up and worked in Essex until her untimely death in 2014 – for Grayson she represents the women he encountered throughout his own years in Essex,

What you can enjoy at this incomparable house, overlooking the River Stour who lived their lives: childhood, adolescence, marriage, children, divorce, education, marriage... living-architecture.co.uk

Q Is the chapel the project centrepiece?

A It is, here you see the whole of Julie’s life in the one space, with two tapestries designed by Grayson that portray her birth and growing up in Basildon, and meeting her first husband Dave and having two children – her subsequent divorce, going to college to gain an education, and then meeting Rob, who following her death on Colchester High Street, by curry delivery moped, builds the House for Essex as a shrine to her.

There is a larger-than-life ceramic figure of Julie set into an alcove, facing three large ceramic pots, all made by Grayson, with motifs depicting periods in Julie’s life. A ceiling covered in original prints, from which is hanging the curry delivery moped, now converted to ‘chandelier’.

Q How would you describe the exterior?

A As a ceramic and gold jewel sitting in the Essex landscape.

Q Do you have a favourite element of the project?

A The favourite element for me is showing people around the house and telling them the story of Julie – for many people it can be very overwhelming and something they have not experienced or had access to beforet often gives them pause to reflect on their own lives.

Q It has become something of an Essex landmark - how does that make you feel?

A For all involved, from the local builders to Grayson, Charles and Living Architecture, we are all in awe of what was achieved, and how it has become embedded in the Essex landscape –we are very proud!

At the end of a private lane you encounter this uncompromising house, set in an undulating landscape leading down to the shores of the River Stour. Guests enter through a large wooden door into a lobby and hallway, off which a small bathroom is situated, and across the hall the staircase leads to two bedrooms and a second bathroom on the first floor. The firstfloor bathroom has both shower and large sunken bath, from where you can soak and take in the views. Each bedroom has an internal balcony overlooking the main living space, as well as views across the river. An intimate kitchen and dining area has hidden doors, through which guests enter into the double-height living room lined with decorative timber panelling and Grayson Perry's richly coloured tapestries. Other specially commissioned artworks including furnishings, pots and mosaic floors to celebrate the story of Julie Cope and her life in Essex. Glazed and shuttered double doors can be opened to reveal a sheltered porch. A House for Essex is a testament to the idea that art and architecture can li our spirits and allow us to experience the world through the eyes of others, both in reality and fiction.