In focus: The controversial Turner Prize

Last updated at 12:14 06 December 2004


The Turner Prize, one of Europe's most prestigious and controversial arts prizes, is due to be awarded tonight.

• It was established in 1984 by the Tate's Patrons of New Art and is intended to promote public discussion of new developments in contemporary British art.

• The first prize upset a lot of people because the winner, painter Malcolm Morley, was born in London but hadn't lived in Britain for more than 25 years. Many thought he was more American than British and shouldn't have been considered.

• The first women, Helen Chadwick and Thirhse Oulton, weren't shortlisted until 1987. But a decade later, in 1997, it was an all-woman shortlist.

• Some non-artists, like Nicholas Serota (who is now the director of the Tate), have been considered for the prize.

• Damien Hirst got people talking in 1995 when he transected a mother cow and her calf and pickled them for In Mother and Child, Divided.

• In 1998, Chris Ofili sparked outrage when it was revealed elephant dung was used in his works.

• A year later Tracey Emin caused controversy when she exhibited My Bed - unmade, with dirty sheets and cigarettes, underwear and a vodka bottle beside it - but it didn't win her the prize.

• Martin Creed won in 2001 with his installation which centred around an empty gallery with a pair of flashing lights.

• Last year's winner was transvestite pottery artist Grayson Perry, who creates vases depicting subjects including death and child abuse.

• The total prize has been increased from £20,000 to £40,000 this year following sponsorship with Gordon's gin.

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