The Great Bear is a 1992 lithograph by Simon Patterson. This is a framed print of the work which is no longer available for purchase. A copy of The Great Bear can be found in the Tate Gallery. Adapting the official map of the London Underground, Patterson has replaced the names of stations with philosophers, actors, politicians and other celebrated figures. The title The Great Bear refers to the constellation Ursa Major, a punning reference to Patterson's own arrangement of ''stars''. Patterson playfully subverts our belief that maps and diagrams provide a reliable source of information. ''I like disrupting something people take as read'', he comments. The copyright of the work is shared between the artist and London Underground from whom the artist obtained permission after protracted negotiation. The metallic frame around this print is heavy and attractive and really enhances the work. Its overall dimensions are 71x51cm. It cost £140 but, unfortunately, since moving house, we have nowhere appropriate to put it so, reluctantly are offering it for.
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