The spider at Tate Modern is entitled Maman and was created in 1999. Made of bronze, stainless steel and marble, the arachnid is one of six original pieces constructed by Bourgeois and its appearance at the modern art gallery is the first time it has ever been on show in the UK.
Similar to the spider that filled the massive turbine hall of the Tate Modern when the gallery first opened, visitors to the old power station could walk in and around the spider's legs before they enter. Not neccessarily the most flattering of dedications in most people's eyes, the spider at Tate Modern is actually a tribute to Bourgeois' mother, who was a weaver. The giant female spider also carries a pouch of white marble eggs beneath her, to convey the element of protection. That's why this sculpture is one of my top 10 pieces of art, Louis Bourgois turned something that is dissliked by many people into something interesting and beautiful.